How to get diagnosed With ADHD : A Guide

People around you—family, friends, co-workers—have often remarked on your short attention span, how often you change the subject of conversation, or how you are always announcing your intentions but seem to lack follow-through. And all of this hurts. You’ve felt misunderstood, under-appreciated, or even judged.Then someone said, maybe as a joke, “ADHD much?” And this got you wondering, Is it possible that all this time I’ve had ADHD?You may have taken one of those internet tests and thought, I do! I do have ADHD… don’t I?Sometimes people seek an ADHD diagnosis for school or workplace accommodations, and this can be very useful. But perhaps the most useful thing about having a medical diagnosis of ADHD is how it helps you understand yourself and the frustration you have been carrying all your life.

So, how do you get an ADHD diagnosis?

In Ontario you typically get an ADHD diagnosis from a Medical Doctor or a Nurse Practitioner. Nearly a quarter of people living in Ontario do not have access to a family doctor, and nurse practitioners are few and far between. And getting an ADHD diagnosis from a walk-in clinic is not the best idea, because a walk-in doctor doesn’t have the time to get to know you, which is essential in making any competent diagnosis.Like a lot of people, then, you will start right where you are now, on the internet, where you will find a collection of ADHD service providers. What should you look for?Look for a clinic that specializes in ADHD. See if ADHD is mentioned on their website’s “landing page,” and not tucked away on some obscure page. It’s important that a clinic has sufficient focus on ADHD to give you the best possible diagnostic process. Think about it: if you had a serious problem with your eyes, would you go to a dentist who also has a part-time optician?Look for a clinic that has certified clinicians. There really isn’t any such profession as “ADHD-ologist.” You will be assessed and diagnosed by a psychotherapist, a nurse, a nurse practitioner, or someone with a general training relevant to their profession. Make sure that whoever is working with you on your diagnosis has put the time and effort into specialized training in ADHD.

Look for a clinic that has a transparent fee structure. It is sad to say, but many clinics are cagey about how much an ADHD diagnosis will cost you. If a clinic has a coordinated process of assessment and diagnosis, and good communication among its clinicians, that clinic should be able to tell you up front what your investment is likely to be.Look for a clinic that offers ADHD coaching and psychotherapy. ADHD can complicate your life and bring all sort of psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame. As the old saying goes, “ADHD rarely travels alone.” Having immediate referral access to ADHD-informed psychotherapists is not just nice to have, it’s pretty much a necessity.Look for a clinic that’s not too big and not too small. Some clinics are factory-like extensions of large conglomerates. They may have some effective clinicians, but will they really get to know you? And some clinics only have two or maybe three therapists, which may mean there’ll be service gaps to navigate.If you suspect that you have ADHD, by all means get a professional Assessment and Diagnosis, and look for a clinic that will provide ongoing support.Learn More: Where to get Diagnosis for ADHD

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