For those of you who weren’t diagnosed until adulthood (I’m in my late 40s), what was the diagnosis process like? Are you just given a written test, or does someone evaluate you more thoroughly? Do they try to understand your symptoms, or is it more of a checklist? If anyone has personal stories they’d be willing to share, I’d love to hear them. I’m also just curious about what to expect during the appointment. Who do I make it with? A psychiatrist?
I also wonder if there are other related conditions or learning disabilities that I might have, such as dyslexia. Do I need to be proactive in asking for multiple diagnoses? Or will they be able to evaluate me for anything/everything?
I’ve was in my late 30’s on active duty in the military. As someone who has been in more than a decade, I still couldn’t remember all my uniform pieces on workout days.
When I spoke to my doctor, he referred me of base for testing. There testing was fairly straight forward. There was some testing for learning disabilities and IQ. Mostly written work, but half was doing a rather long computer questionnaire. When I took the test for the ADHD it was a particularly bad day. Apparently the psychiatrist had seen 3rd graders with worse scores. I think she thought I threw the test. When the testing concluded I got the results and went back to base for the rest of the treatment.
I don’t know your circumstances, but I would advise simply asking your doctor for a referral. They did check for other disabilities, and also other contributing conditions, like depression. Getting treatment started with a few different drugs in very small doses. My biochemistry muddy be off because I had significant reactions to those small doses, but just communicating was able to solve it all. There was even one that made me not want sleep anymore. On day 2, I called and they made me stop immediately (given that is pushing deadly if it continued). So definitely don’t think it’s all smooth sailing.
On the far side of that wall now it’s amazing though. I can read again and play video games again for longer than a simple phone game. Once you figure out the right balance for your body chemistry, you’ll be amazed you managed without it.
Surprised you got the service to help you. I’m trying to get the VA to help me. The neuro sent out a questionnaire to my mom; but because I didn’t show symptoms as a kid as she put it in her questionnaire they just auto assumed I didn’t have it. Then I told my mother all the symptoms I did have and hid. She just refused to believe me.
Now the VA won’t take the time to help me because of my mother’s questionnaire. The neuro said I have symptoms of ADHD and showing inattentive type. But the psychs refuse to go off the neuros DX. It’s annoying.
I’m almost certain I have ADHD; but can’t find help. I’m not seeking adderall damn it.
Honestly, my experience almost feels unique when looking online. However, after almost 30 years I have only experienced negative interactions on par with what my brother reports from civilian care.
Also, I wouldn’t be certain on your diagnosis without getting a professional involved. We thought my kiddo had ADHD. She had all my symptoms, but upon better scrutiny, she actually had a visual processing disorder that presents almost identically.