Guidance on Telling Your Doctor about Possible ADHD

Understanding Your Struggles

When you tell your doctor about the struggles you are experiencing, you are not self-diagnosing. Being open and honest about your symptoms is a crucial step towards getting accurate medical advice. If you disagree with the initial findings, seeking a second opinion is a sensible and healthy approach. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else.

Effective Communication with Your Doctor

It is important to communicate effectively with your doctor. Instead of stating that you have or might have ADHD, you can express your concerns more diplomatically. For instance, you can say, 'I’m worried about the possibility of ADHD, can you refer me for an evaluation?' This way, you are conveying your concern without sounding like you're self-diagnosing.

Streamlining the Diagnostic Process

The key to getting an accurate diagnosis is by simply stating your concerns. You can approach your doctor with phrases such as, 'Hey doc, I’ve been suspecting I have ADHD because I’ve been experiencing symptoms like...' Your healthcare specialist will then delve deeper into these issues and make the necessary assessments.

Providing Detailed Information

You can also say, 'Hey doctor, I came to see you because I’ve been doing some reading and it sure sounds like I may have ADHD. What do you recommend here? Is there some way we can have this checked out and either get a 'Yup, ADHD' or a 'No, it really doesn’t look like ADHD' result?' Your doctor will likely ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing and then proceed with the evaluation.

What to Expect from the Evaluation:

During the evaluation, your doctor may ask detailed questions and compare your symptoms with the DSM-V criteria. Some specialized psychiatrists, who specialize in ADHD, will be able to conduct the evaluation. However, your general doctor might refer you to a specialist. You might be asked to complete a set of questionnaires and engage in performance-based tests. These tests are designed to assess how your performance changes under different conditions, such as when you are tired.

Here is an example of what the doctor might say: 'To be honest, I’m not trained to diagnose ADHD, but I see why you suspect it. I can refer you to a specialist if you like. They will explain the procedure and run a set of quiz-like tests you need to answer. They will also make you a bit tired, as the aim is to see how your performance changes when you are tired. Here’s the address and phone number. I can refer you and they will call you to make an appointment.'

What if the Doctor Dismisses Your Concerns?

It is important to listen to your doctor’s advice. If they dismiss your concerns, it is crucial to consider finding a new doctor. A doctor who scoffs and dismisses your worries without thorough investigation is not a good fit. You deserve to be taken seriously and given an honest evaluation. It is perfectly acceptable to seek a second opinion if necessary.

Remember, your mental health is important, and seeking the right help is essential. Follow these steps to communicate effectively with your doctor and get the necessary diagnosis and treatment.