Adhd diagnosis help
Hi so this is gonna be kinda long and rambly. So first off, I’m unable to go to a psychologist, firstly bc my parents really dislike them. Secondly bc I’m not financially able to. So I have a few friends who have been diagnosed with adhd and they have all told me at some point or another that I should see someone about it cause “you really seem like you have adhd too” apparently. So I took the ASRS test (the official one) and got 6 out of 6 on part a and 12 out of 12 on part b so now I’m really curious but idk what to do bc even if I were to find a psychologist I could afford (broke college student) they would most likely talk to my parents about it bc apparently talking to family is a big part of the screening process. What should I do?
@SuperHam555
Hi there! This wasn’t rambly at all. I can share examples of the different situations I have seen with adults if it is of any help? The different examples I have seen can look for input from others however, it didn’t have to be the parents. There are situations where relationships are strained or it’s just not possible that it’s a parent. In those situations, I have seen lifelong friends participate in the screening and an older sibling in another. Maybe this could also be an aunt, an uncle, a cousin, a teacher?
If you have a primary care physician/doctor, maybe this is something to bring up with them and discuss the next steps to get the ball rolling? I know others have started their journey there. I know you mentioned your folk's feelings on psychiatrists, perhaps this would be (setting up an appointment with your PCP, or if you don't have one, a general one?) a way to start getting some information and get the ball rolling?
Best of luck to you
@FlourishingDimensions perhaps we can start a series of alternative strategies for ADHD?
@ouiCherie I really like this idea, The wheels are already turning now!
Hi @SuperHam555
I'm aware that many parents may not take ADHD seriously as the signs are quite common and anyone can have those signs at some point in life.
The difference is we don't get those signs at some point in life, we are born with that brain.
So you probably can recall things from your childhood like got scolded because your legs just won't stop bouncing, or probably you have tendency to do things impulsively that close to endanger yourself... it's not one size fits all, and may shifted over the years, but the signs are already there since forever. Usually Psychiatrist will also ask about your childhood too and interview your parents or caregiver.
@FlourishDimensions has a great suggestion there. I would like to add, if you haven't been able to get a professional to confirm it, you may not be able to get medication. But there's no stopping you to learn strategies that fit you to lessen the impact of ADHD to be able to function well in daily life. All the best for you ♡