23 Oct Understanding ADHD Testing and Diagnosis
Did you know that October is ADHD Awareness Month? Megan and I both got diagnosed with ADHD when we were younger, and recently, both of my kids were diagnosed too. So, we thought it would be perfect to dive deep into this topic on our podcast! We sat down with an ADHD expert and recorded four awesome episodes, each covering a different aspect of ADHD. You can catch all the episodes at the link below, or wherever you usually listen to podcasts. Oh, and in case you forgot, it’s the So Frickin’ Healthy podcast. 😉 Let us know what you think—we’d love to hear from you!
Navigating the journey of understanding ADHD can be complex, especially for adults who may have lived undiagnosed. In this post, we explore the intricacies of ADHD testing, diagnosis, and support systems, shedding light on a crucial topic that can help individuals lead more fulfilled lives.
Understanding ADHD is essential for anyone seeking clarity on their mental health. The path to diagnosis can be daunting, particularly for adults grappling with symptoms they may have lived with for years. In this blog post, we will delve into the testing and diagnosis process for ADHD, highlighting the challenges adults face on their journey to self-acceptance and understanding.
Introduction to ADHD and Misdiagnosis
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Despite being a prevalent mental health condition, many individuals remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed well into adulthood. This lack of diagnosis can significantly impact personal and professional aspects of life. Misdiagnosis often stems from overlapping symptoms with other disorders and a general lack of understanding regarding how ADHD manifests, especially in adults.
Taking the First Step: Starting the Diagnostic Journey
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, the first step often involves taking a self-test. Resources like the ADHD UK website offer preliminary assessments that can provide insight into whether professional evaluation is necessary. While these self-assessments cannot replace a formal diagnosis, they are vital in prompting individuals to seek professional help.
Differentiating ADHD from Common Traits
One of the significant challenges in diagnosing ADHD is distinguishing its traits from typical behaviors. Everyone occasionally misplaces items or struggles to focus. However, in the case of ADHD, these symptoms are excessive and pervasive, significantly impacting various areas of life over an extended period. The key distinguishing factor is the degree to which these symptoms affect daily functioning and overall quality of life.
Lost Quite a Bit of Weight
We had moved from the USA to Switzerland and I struggled to lose the weight I had put on because of the stress that came with it. I was tired all the time, my digestion was not working as it should, I had no energy at all.
I met Danna through a mutual network and decided to listen what her program was all about. I decided to take the step and I am so glad I did. Danna really made me think deeper, she encouraged me to look for more answers by recommending other professionals, and she expertly coached me through a rather challenging period. On top of all that, she is a treasure trove of useful tips and resources.
I now know exactly what to keep in mind to maintain my health. I feel lighter, I have more energy, I sleep better, and as a nice bonus I lost quite a bit of weight.
I Was Very Sceptical
To be very honest, I was very sceptical before I started and was convinced I could also do it on my own. The result: I gained weight and I felt worse. I underestimated the fact that I needed the support. Not only that, Danna got me to do things I was convinced I would not be able to do: quit Diet Coke to a point that I do not even like it anymore, changed to a healthier lifestyle and even started intermitted fasting.
The good thing about the program is that you learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle without skipping specific foods completely. This makes it easy to fit in my life. If I want to eat pizza, I eat pizza! I even do not feel guilty about it It was the guilt that always made me go back to the old (unhealthy) lifestyle in the past. “I failed anyway, so it does not matter anymore”. Danna taught me that there is no such thing as failing and that you can enjoy unhealthy moments without feeling bad about yourself. As long as you go back to eating healthy after it.
She also taught me that eating healthy is not complicated or difficult and that it even tastes good!
The biggest result for me is the way I feel. Yes, I lost weight and that feels good, but the unexpected increase in the way I feel is incredible. Apparently, before I started the program, I had this basic feeling of not feeling well that I did not even notice, because it was just there. Now that I feel so much better, I notice more what an impact “bad choices” have on my health, mood and energy levels. During the day I feel better and at night I still have plenty of energy left to do stuff. I also notice that I am less sick or that when I feel sick it takes less time to overcome it.
Thank you Danna for this! It was really a turn around for me. Oh, and the biggest thank you for putting up with my scepticism “no Danna, I can`t do that, it is just not for me”… but hey, you were always right
Confidence in the Kitchen Skyrocketed!
We’ve been working together now for about a year and I heard about the program and getting confidence with cooking and I thought, wow, what a great idea. I love to cook, but I have virtually no confidence. I was very, very rigid. I could only work with recipes. I was very focused on exact measurements. I had no creativity at all in the kitchen and I wanted some help to get past that and to really be more comfortable, just grabbing stuff out of the fridge and making them come together. And I have to say after about six lessons, I’m definitely there. I’m a bit more, free-spirited in my kitchen. It has been an amazing experience and the recipes, oh my God. So delicious!
Big Life Change!
Hi all, I want to describe a short story of a big life change.
Before meeting Danna, I had a complex of health problems. not only the overweight and unhealthy eating, but also the lack of encourage and motivation for change. So I had an intro call with Danna and decided to give it a try.
What I really liked since the beginning was: you are not only given advice, but only the full justification on why so. Once you understand the underlying science, it is way more easy to follow (should I mention I am a scientist?)). Also, you are given advice along with the instruments on how to do this all in your normal life. Oh yes, that helped, too 🙂 from the receipts up to the shopping list, oh that saves time (and motivation, too)).
My main goal was actually to quit the artificial sugar, which I was trying to do for a year until then. And so… I eventually did it and I am incredibly proud of myself! And my expectations were exceed when I realized how I have changed the way I eat.
Oh it was not the first program I joined, and not the first time I had a goal of loosing my weight… No need to say I never really succeed before, I never actually had a sustainable approach, and this is why I was here.
So my overall advice is really to give it a try. If you are reading this review (until the end), then you are probably already motivated enough to start. So all the best luck, be ready to change your life!
Just do it Already!
I am 40+ social media manager at www.zsuzsannajavor.com, a working mum of 2 in peri-menopause, with occasional brain fog and lack of energy.
I have been following Danna for some years now and I knew I wanted to do this program sometime, so the end of this year seemed like a good time.
Danna is intelligent, smart, very human, relatable with a great sense of humour. She knows EVERYTHING about healthy nutrition, ingredients, sources, allergies, remedies and the way she shares her expertise is easily understandable and applicable to everyday life.
I actually don’t like ‘doing programs’, but Danna’s way of communication, expertise, abundance of information, videos, home remedies, personalised suggestions, recipes, shopping lists, etc. makes the whole program legit, reliable, useful, helpful and super supportive.
I became very aware of what is good and not so good for me. I already have more energy and I intend to keep up everything I learnt from her in the long run.
What would I tell someone who’s considering working with Danna?
Just do it already. It will change your life and relationship with food for the way better. And it works in the long-run.
The struggle is Over!
I have always struggled with yo yo dieting. I have now learned what is healthy for my body and I now can make better choices with my food. I have enjoyed cooking all of the new and tasty recipes which Danna has provided. I can highly recommend her if you are unsure about the choices in the supermarket and how to feed you and your family in a healthy way.
My Skin Looks Amazing!
I found Danna while looking for a detox program that would help me feel more energized naturally – I am a very energetic person, but being a working mom who travels long haul fairly often I found myself drinking redbull everyday – and that would help me get rid of some sugary habits and “hunger attacks” that I had been having my entire life. In addition to this, you must all know that I can’t cook, do not like cooking and on top I am a vegetarian… I really needed something that would make sure I am getting all the nutrients I need. I started following Danna’s instructions for dinner, and to my surprise, not only I did not crave for rebdbull or waffles in the morning, but I was actually able to fast without effort, without feeling tired or hungry at all. Four days later (for real, no jokes) I realized my legs cellulite was vanishing. I even asked my fiancé in case it was just my imagination…. he agreed. 3 weeks later, I had a blood extraction where the nurse hat to split the plasma from the rest. He turned around to me (again, no jokes, got witnesses! 😉 ) and said: “woah, one rarely finds such a healthy plasma”. Could it really be my new eating habits? Since then, I feel energized and awake regardless of how my daughter spent the night, my skin looks amazing and in fact, I stopped using make up to hide the grey tone I used to have. I wake up in the morning and my face looks fresh and my eyes are not swollen .the shape of my legs and waist has changed. And last but not least, being totally honest, I still don’t like cooking (that is a miracle harder to perform than melting cellulites, I guess), but the food is so good and it does so good to me and my family that I find the motivation to do it.
You’re Worth It!
I first met Danna in February 2019. I had recently lost both my parents and split up with my long term girlfriend. In the grip of depression, I had stopped all fitness related activities, cut myself off from most of my friends, was binge eating badly & pretty much struggling to find a reason to continue. Needless to say, the first session was difficult and I remember struggling to keep it together as I Skyped her from a hotel in Scotland.
From that low-point, Danna has been one of a small group of people who helped bring me back from the brink. Working together on a daily basis (WhatsApp, Cara), she initially started to change my approach to nutrition, step by step … from reducing my coffee intake (14 a day with cream and sugar!), to moving to a balanced plate (50% carbs, 25% good fat, 25% protein), sourcing fresh, non-processed produce, to using “good” fat and eliminating dairy products, introducing time restricted eating and adopting a plant-based diet… among a 100 other things!
Our initial 6-month engagement was interrupted by a serious health issue … a triple bypass…. and I had to suspend our sessions which she agreed to without hesitation. However, during this time, Danna stayed in touch throughout and checked in with me multiple times during and after my operation to offer her support. Indeed, I remember a large crate of fruit arriving at the hospital the day I was moved from the intensive care unit with a kind note to enjoy!
Fast forward one year. We still meet bi-weekly. She still checks what I eat daily, offers feedback, advice and occasionally kicks my ass when I need it. Thanks to her (and that small group of specialists who helped me in so many ways), I’m largely free of my depression (I still have the occasional bad day). I eat largely a plant based diet and am much more selective about my food. My binge eating has dramatically decreased and my weight is stable and decreasing. I’m back training at the gym 3-4 times per week. I’m engaged again with all my friends and I’ve found the joy in living again!
So, thank you Danna from the bottom of my heart. I would not be here without your efforts, advice, humor and friendship. And, if you are reading this and find yourself struggling and identifying with some of the issues I mention, I can only recommend her in the highest possible terms. Hire her. It will make a difference. And, don’t forget – you’re worth it.
Barriers to Diagnosis
Adults often face multiple barriers when seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. Long wait times for specialist assessments and the stigma surrounding mental health conditions can deter individuals from pursuing the help they need. Moreover, receiving a diagnosis can stir mixed emotions—while some may feel relief in finally understanding their struggles, others might experience frustration over the impacts of undiagnosed ADHD on their lives.
The Importance of Support from Family and Friends
Support from family and friends can significantly enhance the diagnosis journey. Engaging in open conversations about ADHD symptoms can help individuals feel understood and less isolated. It’s crucial to recognize that ADHD symptoms can vary widely from person to person, adding another layer of complexity to the diagnosis process.
Advancements in ADHD Diagnosis
Recent advancements in medical technology, including brain imaging, are paving the way for more accurate identification of ADHD. These innovations bring hope for more targeted and effective diagnosis processes. However, comprehensive assessments—combining clinical evaluations with self-reports—remain the gold standard in understanding ADHD.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be transformative, providing a framework for understanding one’s behavior and developing coping strategies. However, diagnosis is just the beginning. It opens the door for treatment and support options, which can include medication, coaching, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have ADHD, seeking professional advice and getting on a waitlist for evaluation is a vital first step.
In navigating the complexities of ADHD, patience, support, and a willingness to seek help are essential. Early intervention and accurate diagnosis are key to managing ADHD effectively, allowing individuals to live balanced and fulfilling lives.
If this post resonates with you, consider exploring more about health and personal development on the So Frickin' Healthy podcast. Visit sofrickinhealthy.com for engaging discussions on ADHD and holistic wellness.
What has been your experience with ADHD diagnosis, and what advice would you share with others on a similar journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Danna helps incredible women understand just how incredible they really are – by working on self love, on healing their relationship with food, and giving their gut what it needs in order to support their health and livelihood. Her goal is to help others reach deliciously sustainable lifestyle changes. Enjoy life, and enjoy every bite of food you eat. No diets, no deprivation!
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