i’ll spare you the very fun details of my struggles with adhd but i’ve had a suspicion that i had it since i was like 12, im 19 now and today i went in to my doctor for an assessment. i told her why i think that i have adhd and overall she just seemed very disinterested. she gave me an adhd assessment sheet and after i filled it out she told me that she can’t diagnose me (i thought she could, i didn’t know they don’t do that)
then she proceeded to tell me that she doesn’t think that i have an adhd problem, she thinks i have a “discipline problem” (you guys hear the crickets too?) right right okay and then she proceeded to explain that i needed my mom to push me to do things (i talked to her about what i think is executive dysfunction) I think i came off as immature cuz i brought my mom but still.
She then proceeded to tell me that my brain is like a monkey and i need to train it (i am black and i did take offence). then she said to take her advice and bring the assessment sheet home and fill it in again with any changes in a different color. (am i a baby) she then said that medication is easy to prescribe but she is giving me advice to actually help me.
I genuinely tried so hard not to but i started crying, not because i didn’t get diagnosed, but because i realized that this woman couldn’t help me. Even if she had recommended i go on medication it was clear that she had no idea how adhd works and how it affects people. but left immediately after that because i genuinely felt like i had wasted my time.
After i delayed and delayed getting tested, the first move i made to attempt to get some help ended in absolutely no progress or clarity and im not sure what to do. should i seek out a counsellor to get a formal assessment? im not sure how it works, pls give me advice on the process and just let me know what you guys think (this is the sheet btw)
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Hey! I'm sorry that happened to you. I was the same age you are now when I was diagnosticated. It's a very difficult situation when you open up to someone who simply doesn't understand. I don't know exactly where you're from, but if you're seeking a diagnosis, it's usually provided by a psychiatrist or neurologist, especially one who performs a neuropsychological evaluation. I hope you're okay!
Diagnosed* (￣∇￣") not my first language guys
Same thing happened to me when I was 17, though I knew my primary care doctor couldn't diagnose me.
The most your doctor could do is give you a referral for the assessment you're looking for. I'd say to not give up! I know how disheartening it can feel to build up the courage to seek an assessment and to be shot down so quickly.
Adhd being the blessing it is will make you want to avoid the stress of advocating for yourself.
Write down the ways that you feel your LIFE has been impacted by this long term. Confidence, grades and your ability to commit. Not just to build your case for this wack doctor but for yourself. You know you better than anyone else.
I'm barely getting my own assessment (20) after my brother got his in 3 months ... (16)
Though after I brought up that I have a diagnosed brother to my provider they were able to speed up setting up my referral. Σ(°ロ°)
Maybe lie that you have a cousin or a sibling who got a diagnosis recently? (If you feel confident doing so)
I’m really sorry to hear that’s been happening. I don’t have adhd but I’ve dealt with depression so I can relate with the executive dysfunction issues. I know what it’s like to not have a doctor take you seriously. I feel especially when you’re young and if you’re a woman doctors might have biases that lead them to believe you’re exaggerating. I definitely think getting a second opinion will help. I remember the first time I talked to a doctor about it and even filled out a survey too, they didn’t take it seriously. But eventually I did get taken seriously (with other doctors). Make sure to meet with a doctor like someone in the field of psychiatry not a general practitioner to get a second opinion. They’ll take your concerns more seriously. On the off chance that it’s not adhd, it doesn’t mean it’s laziness. You’re clearly struggling so a good therapist can be helpful.
Did you go to your primary care doctor, or a psychiatrist? You need to go to a psychiatrist to get diagnosed with mental stuff.