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People with mental disorders, how were you tested? (beehaw.org)

submitted 1 year ago by bermuda@beehaw.org to c/askbeehaw@beehaw.org

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In short I've been suspecting for a while that I have ADHD but I don't know how to go about figuring that out. I don't want to come across as one of those weird people obsessed with being diagnosed with disorders but I also don't want to be passive about this, so I'd like to at least get tested by a professional when it comes to this kind of thing.

How were you tested for these kinds of things, especially people who were only diagnosed as an adult? Is it something you bring up to your primary physician?

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[–] hallettj@beehaw.org 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I got an ADHD evaluation from a therapist at my college through the college's free health service. I remember one of the tests was a Tower of Hanoi puzzle. I tried to explain that that result might be skewed because I had studied the algorithm for that puzzle in computer science class the week before. Anyway, I ended up diagnosed with ADHD.

I've also gotten evaluations for my kids. I know that's a bit different from an adult diagnosis, but I think the process of setting up the evaluation is the same: find a neurologist, call and say, "I think I might have ADHD. Can I make an appointment for a test?" If they ask, tell them about the reasons for your suspicions.

If you're in the US It's probably a good idea to talk to your primary care physician first just to get a referral to appease your insurance provider. I'm sure they won't think you're weird or obsessive. No one expects you to have firm evidence of a condition before you're tested for it.

Oh, and I don't think of ADHD as a disorder, despite the second "D". There isn't anything wrong with me. It's just that my brain works differently than the typical brain. That comes with pros and cons.