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I think I might have ADHD… Now what?

ADHD Diagnosis

I think I might have ADHD…. Now what?

 

So you’ve seen all the symptoms of ADHD and ticked off a whole load

 

Now what?

Well I think (and this is just my opinion!) the first step is to figure out how much these symptoms and traits are really affecting your life.

If you’re sometimes a bit late, sometimes lose your keys and bite the skin on your fingers – so what? Does it matter?

Stay with me – there’s a very good chance these symptoms are massively affecting your life – it’s just that some people might tick off a lot of symptoms but it’s not actually a problem for them. In that case, they can probably just carry on happily.

However, if what you’ve been experiencing are symptoms that point to something bigger: something that has been holding you back your whole life, causing you stress and anxiety, making you question your worth, meaning that you struggle to cope with the ‘little’ things, making life so much harder than it needs to be… Then maybe an ADHD assessment will help.

 

If you want to find out if it is ADHD that’s causing many of your challenges, this is the process (in England, at least):

 

  • Keep a note of all the symptoms you identify with and as many examples as you can think of, from now and your childhood. Check the DSM-V diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
  • Consider completing a questionnaire such the ASRS (Google WHO adult self report scale for ADHD) – your GP will probably ask you to do this or similar but it can help to have completed it already and show them the results.
  • Make an appointment to see your GP and take all of these notes with you – it’s ok to refer to them in your appointment if you’re worried about forgetting something. Maybe take a partner or friend with you for moral support. Not all GPs are as well informed or understanding as you might hope.
  • Ask to be referred via Right to Choose which can cut down on the waiting time, although there will still be a long wait due to demand
  • OR if finances allow, take the private route (but be aware that if you go on to have medication prescribed there will be an additional cost for this)