Jan 28
In this episode, Tracy gives you a simple, ADHD brain-friendly understanding of what is required to obtain an ADHD diagnosis. She also includes a checklist that she created to help you prepare for your meeting with an ADHD professional.
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Quotes:
"Now, I initially met with a psychologist who asked me a bunch of questions about my childhood, what I felt were my challenges."
- Tracy Otsuka
"So my recommendation is when looking for an ADHD specialist, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a coach, a therapist, do whatever you can do to find one of us try to find someone who also has ADHD."
- Tracy Otsuka
"My goal is to change the conversation around ADHD. By helping as many women as I possibly can learn how their ADHD brains work."
- Tracy Otsuka
"Now, I initially met with a psychologist who asked me a bunch of questions about my childhood, what I felt were my challenges."
- Tracy Otsuka
"So my recommendation is when looking for an ADHD specialist, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a coach, a therapist, do whatever you can do to find one of us try to find someone who also has ADHD."
- Tracy Otsuka
"My goal is to change the conversation around ADHD. By helping as many women as I possibly can learn how their ADHD brains work."
- Tracy Otsuka
[00:00 - 07:55] Psychiatric Evaluation and Testing
[07:55 - 14:09] ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Options
[14:09 - 27:02] ADHD Diagnosis and Symptoms in Adults
- Tracy met with a psychiatrist for a brief appointment and was prescribed Adderall without discussion of non-pharmacological options.
- Tracy discovers her son Marcus's strengths and weaknesses through comprehensive testing.
- Tracy shares personal experience with ADHD testing and diagnosis challenges.
[07:55 - 14:09] ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Options
- Tracy recommends asking for recommendations from friends, family, and primary care physicians for a psychologist who knows ADHD, as they will diagnose and prescribe medication if needed.
- Tracy prioritizes finding an ADHD specialist with personal experience of the condition, as they understand the struggles and can provide tailored support.
- Tracy prefers a female psychologist or psychiatrist with ADHD for added empathy and expertise.
[14:09 - 27:02] ADHD Diagnosis and Symptoms in Adults
- Tracy suggests starting with professional directories from ADDA and Attitude Magazine for finding ADHD coaches and experts.
- Tracy provides a comprehensive checklist and worksheet to help adults with ADHD organize their thoughts and symptoms before an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
- Tracy emphasizes the importance of understanding the criteria for ADHD in adults, as outlined in the DSM-5, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.
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EPISODE #40
