People are becoming more and more familiar with ADHD. Fortunately, the stigma of being assessed and diagnosed with ADHD is fading with growing public awareness.
In fact, most people who receive an ADHD diagnosis find it a great relief. Years of living with undiagnosed ADHD has often subjected people with ADHD to inappropriate criticism and characterization. Just knowing that you have a condition that is something you were born with and that is not your fault can end a cycle of self-shaming that far too many have experienced.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis for young adults in Toronto involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:
Understanding the ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Symptoms can include difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, restlessness, and impulsive behavior
If you have ADHD you find yourself chronically under-stimulated, which causes your mind to wander and/or exert energy in an attempt to make your surroundings more stimulating. ADHD is typically diagnosed in three presentations or ADHD types:
- Inattentive – if you have trouble focussing and tend to drift off during classes, meetings, and even conversations, you’re not rude or uncaring, but seeking stimulation
- Hyperactive – if you have trouble sitting still, tend to blurt things out, or find yourself jumping from task to task, you’re not self-important but creating stimulation
- Combined – if you are sometimes inattentive and sometimes hyperactive, you’re not undisciplined but diverse in the way that you seek and create stimulation.
Steps to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
1. Initial Consultation
The first step is to talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner about your symptoms. They can refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Many psychiatrists require a referral from your doctor, but psychologists often accept self-referrals. If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, there are specialty clinics in Toronto that can provide the services and expertise you need.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
The specialist will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include interviews, questionnaires, and behavioral observations. They will review your medical history and ask about your performance at school or work. Frequently these assessments will include measures for anxiety, depression, and symptoms that frequently co-occur with ADHD. These assessments may even include questionnaires for someone who knows you well, such as your partner, to complete.
3. Evaluation of Symptoms
The assessment will evaluate various factors to determine if you have ADHD. This includes looking at symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD can look differently in different people, so this process requires the clinical judgement and experience of someone who frequently works with ADHD clients.
4. Diagnosis
Based on the assessment, the specialist will determine if you have ADHD. They will discuss the diagnosis with you and outline potential treatment options. In Ontario, a diagnosis provides a legal foundation for school and workplace accommodations, which is why communicating a diagnosis is an act reserved to medical doctors, psychologists, and nurse practitioners.
5. Treatment Plan
Treatment often includes a combination of medication, coaching psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Your specialist will help you create a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively. Many private practices have these resources in-house, which prevents delays and miscommunication because the members of your care team have access to your health record.
Resources in Toronto
There are several private practices that offer specialized ADHD assessment services in Toronto as well as online ADHD assessment. Their comprehensive approach includes detailed medical history assessments, follow-up questionnaires, and personalized treatment plans. They also provide support for managing ADHD symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Some offer both virtual and in-person options, for comfort and accessibility.
Everyday Tips for Managing ADHD Symptoms
- Stay Organized: Use planners, to-do lists, and reminders to keep track of tasks and appointments.
- Create Routines: Having a consistent daily routine can help manage symptoms.
- Break Tasks into Steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Breaking them into smaller steps makes them more manageable.
- Take Breaks: Short, frequent breaks can help maintain focus and reduce restlessness.
- Stay Accountable: Find a friend you can report accomplishment of tasks to, adding social support to your coping strategies.
Conclusion
Getting an ADHD diagnosis for young adults in Toronto involves a series of steps, from initial consultation to comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. With the right support and resources, managing ADHD symptoms and improving quality of life is achievable.
Look for a clinic that emphasizes ADHD but also offers support for concurrent conditions, since frequently an assessment for ADHD uncovers other complicating factors.