ADHD is a neurodivergence that is difficult to recognize in adulthood, and professionals are less likely to assume it as a diagnosis for several reasons.
First, there is the phenomenon of “thinking filter.” For example, a psychologist who specializes in anxiety might be more inclined to describe all symptoms through the lens of anxiety. A psychiatrist who specializes in personality disorders might be more likely to think that the symptoms are related to some of these disorders.
Second, awareness of ADHD has exploded so quickly that professionals are less likely to diagnose it, thinking it is just a trend or something “popular,” along with doubts about “exaggeration” and “Google/TikTok self-diagnosis.”
Third, many psychologists and psychiatrists are not sufficiently familiar with the mental health challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, such as educational rehabilitators and speech therapists (fun fact: did you know that I hold a basic degree in speech therapy?).
Fourth, there are many comorbidities, i.e., overlaps with other mental health difficulties, that mask ADHD (e.g., cPTSD, anxiety, depression, etc.).
Steps in ADHD diagnosis:
1. ADHD self-assessment test
Click here to download a free self-assessment test. The test description explains how to interpret the results and whether there is a justified suspicion of ADHD. (Click for self-assessment test)
2. Psychological testing
The T.O.V.A test is one of the tests used to assess the presence of ADHD. The test is most often conducted by a psychologist. I recommend inquiring about an assessment with a professional who has experience working with neurodivergent adults, especially with ADHD. I personally do NOT conduct diagnostics.
3. Diagnosis confirmation by psychiatrist
After the psychologist’s assessment, the next step is confirming the diagnosis with a psychiatrist, who may prescribe medication if necessary. I also recommend that it be a psychiatrist familiar with ADHD in adults.
What comes after the diagnosis?
Often, just knowing that everything you’ve been experiencing has a name and understanding the characteristics of ADHD can bring a huge sense of relief. However, it’s not enough just to know that you have ADHD, as the rest of your life will be lived with it. It cannot be cured; it is a neurodivergence.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy helps you manage your impulsivity, emotions, and over-analysis. It also provides support in building self-esteem, self-confidence, and healthy life habits, as well as relationships with yourself and others. We address childhood trauma and limiting thought and behavior patterns.
Coaching
Coaching helps you develop strategies for managing daily tasks, forming healthy habits, creating a sense of structure and routine, improving work performance, building successful work relationships, and advancing in your career.
Currently, I offer psychotherapeutic services, and my plan for further professional growth and development includes enrolling in coaching education (fall 2023).
If you are a professional and want to learn more about (psycho)therapeutic work with adults with ADHD, a webinar recording titled “Therapeutic Techniques in Working with ADHD” is available for purchase at the price of 30 euros. Contact me here.
Participants’ feedback from the webinar:
“Truly a high-quality lecturer, very clear and understandable content. I gained a lot of information from the lecture. I definitely got a better insight into how people with ADHD function, which was important to me.”
“Overall, everything was great. It was nice to hear some information that confirmed some of my thoughts and findings, but also gave insight into how some life experiences—the way I experience the world around me, how my thoughts spin, how I behave—actually make sense. There’s a connection and an explanation for it all. Lea presented it excellently. Since I’m someone who suspects I have ADHD, it’s usually hard for me to maintain focus during lectures for an extended period, but she did a great job, and the presentation was visually stimulating enough (with colors, composition, etc.) to keep me engaged. I’m very satisfied.”