The ADHD Diagnosis
"Unlocking the Puzzle of My Mind - The Road to an ADHD Diagnosis"
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery can be a real adventure. I never imagined that in my search for answers, I would uncover an ADHD diagnosis that would change my world. The diagnosis offered not just relief, but valuable insights into the workings of my mind.
ADHD diagnosis: The Unanswered Questions
For years, I found myself grappling with a cloud of unanswered questions about the way my mind worked. Tasks that seemed effortless for others, seemed to be a constant battle for me. The struggle to maintain focus felt like a never-ending challenge, creating a constant sense of fatigue.
But here's the silver lining: as I share my journey, I aim to shed light on overcoming these challenges and finding a path toward clarity and understanding. Together, let's explore strategies to navigate the hurdles and discover the strength within the struggle.
Seeking Answers: The First Step I Took
An in-depth assessment with a Psychologist
The turning point in my journey came with an in-depth assessment by a psychologist. This nice lady was already seeing my second child who had a confirmed ADHD diagnosis. She said that it was not uncommon for a parent to also have ADHD, as the disorder can be passed down. This session was more than just a conversation; it was a detailed exploration of the nuances of my thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. It felt like piecing together a puzzle, where every detail was a crucial piece in understanding the bigger picture.
A common practice is to review school reports for tell-tale signs of inattention. Well, that ticked the first box for me. The common theme in my primary school reports was “ Trevor has much potential if only he applied himself” or “Trevor has potential, but likes to be the class clown” Well you can bet that these comments did not go down well with my mum.
The Referral to a Specialist
Following the assessment, the psychologist recognised the need for specialised opinion and referred me to a psychiatrist with expertise in adult ADHD. It was a step into the unknown for me, and I felt a little uncomfortable about having to see a ‘‘psychiatrist’’ I know that there should not be any stigma when it comes to mental health, but for me, this was a totally new experience.
The Psychiatrist's Office
Just like in the movies, this guy has a couch that you could lie back on. No way I thought, sitting up would be just fine thanks. Through a series of targeted questions and discussions, the psychiatrist systematically explored the various facets of my life.
Unfortunately, there are no medical, physical, or genetic tests for ADHD. A diagnostic evaluation is completed by gathering information from multiple sources.
An ADHD diagnosis is established by assessing the quantity and intensity of common symptoms, how long they have persisted, and the extent to which these symptoms adversely affect your daily life. The impact of these symptoms may be observed in home, school, or work settings, as well as in relationships with friends, and relatives, or participation in other social activities.
Some of the accepted symptoms of ADHD in adults are:
difficulty maintaining attention during work or leisure activities
don't pay attention to details or make careless mistakes
easily distracted
difficulty listening when spoken to directly
difficulty organising tasks and activities.
difficulty following instructions and completing tasks.
avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort
losing something necessary for a mission or activity
forgetful when completing daily activities
fidgeting with hands or feet
finding it difficult to stay seated as expected
become restless or move around excessively in inappropriate situations
difficulty performing leisure activities calmly
on the move all the time as if driven by a motor
talk excessively or too fast
blurt out answers before questions have been completed
have difficulty waiting for a turn
interrupt others
There are many others, but these would be the most common.
In an assessment, the psychiatrist aims to assess how much these symptoms currently affect the adult and whether they were also present during childhood. For a diagnosis, adults should exhibit at least five of these symptoms. It's important to note that these symptoms can evolve over time, and adults may display different patterns than they did in childhood.
Meeting the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis is feasible even without experiencing symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. The psychiatrist must additionally assess whether these symptoms are attributable to other conditions or are influenced by co-existing factors.
The clinician will be interested to know if any of these symptoms were present before the age of 12. Also, they will want to know which symptoms caused you significant problems for a long time in your everyday life in common settings eg: school, work, home, and socially.
The Revelation: An ADHD Diagnosis
Relief in Understanding
As the pieces of the puzzle came together, there was a profound sense of relief in understanding that there was a reason I thought the way I did. The diagnosis was not just a label; it was a key that unlocked a new chapter of self-awareness and acceptance.
For me, I ticked all of the above boxes.
Moving Forward with Insight
Armed with the diagnosis, I could now navigate my life with a newfound insight into my strengths and challenges. It was not about limitations but about understanding how my mind worked differently from others.
The ADHD Journey Continues
Embracing Neurodiversity
My journey with ADHD is ongoing, and every day brings new discoveries. It's a path of self-acceptance and embracing neurodiversity, recognising that the quirks of my mind are not impediments but a unique way of looking at the world.
Hey, if we were all the same then the world would be a boring place right?
Join me on this journey of self-discovery and neurodiversity. Let's share our stories and support each other in unlocking the mysteries of our minds.