Just having hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms is not sufficient to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. Symptoms need to have a negative effect.
It’s important to get checked if you are struggling folks, and there are plenty of resources on campuses for these things.
I suspect that I have ADHD. My girlfriend and friends do too. But I am living in the Netherlands, and my experience with doctors here has been somewhat underwhelming. For example, my tinnitus had a spike that lasted over a year. I spoke with three different doctors during this time, and none of them agreed to refer me to a specialist to have tests done to identify the source. They told me “It’s common, it’s incurable, you’ll get used to it. No point in doing tests. Good luck”.
So, from this and a few other experiences with doctors, I really don’t know how I would approach getting professionally tested for ADHD - or if it is even worth it at this point. It’s kind of like “Oh well, if I made it this far…” - and I suspect that that doctors would apply the same logic. But an ADHD diagnosis would help rationalize a loooot of annoying things about me, and treatment could be very helpful.
Haha, likely or something similar from anecdotal experience. Once I got dxed I looked around and got about a dozen others taken care of. Birds of a feather flock together. Your doctors are so wrong and outdated, I am sorry you’ve had this experience. My dx brought me great peace of mind and helped me defend myself and made me healthier in the long run. Are you affiliated with a university still?. Depending on your nationality as well, you could potentially get dx abroad by telehealth.
I would strongly consider gong back and self advocating and/or switching GPs as I would not trust a GP with this attitude and frankly its better to go to a psychiatrist for this stuff anyway, but I am not sure if you can self refer there. Your GP is essentially stating that they are ignoring a whole body of literature and research because vibes and medication does make a massive difference. Do not trust someone that ignores that ADHD Exacts Higher Mental Health Toll vs Autism in Adults when the condition is extremely manageable with help.
Here’s a summary, note that this only describes one route. There are often many routes to take.
The Netherlands’ process for diagnosis and medication
Getting a diagnosis:
You have to get a referral from your GP/physician/‘huisarts’. Make sure you specifically mention wanting to get tested for ADHD.
Next you’ll be advised to see a specialist. I can recommend deciding on what institute you want to go yourself, and then asking your GP to refer you to that specific institute. This can go two ways: you can either go to a centralized/franchise mental healthcare institute or a independently established/local specialist. The best known centralized institutes are the GGZ or PsyQ. While everyone has different experiences, going to a centralized franchise is highly recommended for a number of reasons: * They usually have a lot of experience with every part of your treatment, ranging from a lot of knowledge about ADHD to practical stuff like keeping your GP updated and writing prescriptions. * They have psychologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists in the same building/facility. You don’t need to be referred when you need a different type of specialist.
Once you’ve enrolled you’ll have to do an intake (either in person or over the phone), and you’ll start the diagnosis trial.
While processes might differ between different providers, the diagnosis trial usually consists of (in no particular order) an intake, a couple of questionnaires, and some conversations. It’s also likely that they’ll ask if you can bring along a relative or close friend to give some perspective at some point. Editor’s note: This can occur in one long multi-hour session, or many one-hour sessions. Some of the tests and questionnaires may be online, on a computer in the office, or on paper.
Medication and insurance
ADHD medication is mostly covered in the medication compensation act/geneesmiddelen vergoedingssysteem (GVS). This means that medication registered in the GVS are covered by all basic healthcare insurances. However, different brands or generics may or may not be covered, and might require additional payment. You can check whether your brand, dose and amount is covered here.
At PsyQ after this intake they give you a “guessed” diagnosis. The “official” diagnosis will be done after the psychologist discusses your case with a psychiatrist.
(he didn’t get ignored for ADHD, he got ignored for tinnitus and he’s afraid he will repeat the experience with ADHD).
I also strongly recommend changing doctors if the one he has downplays his concerns. Those doctors should have no clients, but the reality is that most doctors do not accept new clients, so he may be stuck with the current one. He could also report the doctor for this behaviour.
If in Amsterdam please avoid GGZ like hell. They don’t really have an ADHD center, they have a very small subdivision that can do almost nothing (only psycho education). I’m not sure what is the situation in other cities.
I suspect that I have ADHD. My girlfriend and friends do too. But I am living in the Netherlands, and my experience with doctors here has been somewhat underwhelming. For example, my tinnitus had a spike that lasted over a year. I spoke with three different doctors during this time, and none of them agreed to refer me to a specialist to have tests done to identify the source. They told me “It’s common, it’s incurable, you’ll get used to it. No point in doing tests. Good luck”.
So, from this and a few other experiences with doctors, I really don’t know how I would approach getting professionally tested for ADHD - or if it is even worth it at this point. It’s kind of like “Oh well, if I made it this far…” - and I suspect that that doctors would apply the same logic. But an ADHD diagnosis would help rationalize a loooot of annoying things about me, and treatment could be very helpful.
Haha, likely or something similar from anecdotal experience. Once I got dxed I looked around and got about a dozen others taken care of. Birds of a feather flock together. Your doctors are so wrong and outdated, I am sorry you’ve had this experience. My dx brought me great peace of mind and helped me defend myself and made me healthier in the long run. Are you affiliated with a university still?. Depending on your nationality as well, you could potentially get dx abroad by telehealth.
I would strongly consider gong back and self advocating and/or switching GPs as I would not trust a GP with this attitude and frankly its better to go to a psychiatrist for this stuff anyway, but I am not sure if you can self refer there. Your GP is essentially stating that they are ignoring a whole body of literature and research because vibes and medication does make a massive difference. Do not trust someone that ignores that ADHD Exacts Higher Mental Health Toll vs Autism in Adults when the condition is extremely manageable with help.
In the meantime check out these things:
Here’s a summary, note that this only describes one route. There are often many routes to take.
The Netherlands’ process for diagnosis and medication
Getting a diagnosis: You have to get a referral from your GP/physician/‘huisarts’. Make sure you specifically mention wanting to get tested for ADHD. Next you’ll be advised to see a specialist. I can recommend deciding on what institute you want to go yourself, and then asking your GP to refer you to that specific institute. This can go two ways: you can either go to a centralized/franchise mental healthcare institute or a independently established/local specialist. The best known centralized institutes are the GGZ or PsyQ. While everyone has different experiences, going to a centralized franchise is highly recommended for a number of reasons: * They usually have a lot of experience with every part of your treatment, ranging from a lot of knowledge about ADHD to practical stuff like keeping your GP updated and writing prescriptions. * They have psychologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists in the same building/facility. You don’t need to be referred when you need a different type of specialist. Once you’ve enrolled you’ll have to do an intake (either in person or over the phone), and you’ll start the diagnosis trial. While processes might differ between different providers, the diagnosis trial usually consists of (in no particular order) an intake, a couple of questionnaires, and some conversations. It’s also likely that they’ll ask if you can bring along a relative or close friend to give some perspective at some point. Editor’s note: This can occur in one long multi-hour session, or many one-hour sessions. Some of the tests and questionnaires may be online, on a computer in the office, or on paper. Medication and insurance ADHD medication is mostly covered in the medication compensation act/geneesmiddelen vergoedingssysteem (GVS). This means that medication registered in the GVS are covered by all basic healthcare insurances. However, different brands or generics may or may not be covered, and might require additional payment. You can check whether your brand, dose and amount is covered here.
At PsyQ after this intake they give you a “guessed” diagnosis. The “official” diagnosis will be done after the psychologist discusses your case with a psychiatrist.
(he didn’t get ignored for ADHD, he got ignored for tinnitus and he’s afraid he will repeat the experience with ADHD).
I also strongly recommend changing doctors if the one he has downplays his concerns. Those doctors should have no clients, but the reality is that most doctors do not accept new clients, so he may be stuck with the current one. He could also report the doctor for this behaviour.
Haha, ADHD brain reading things can’t keep all the threads. Thanks for the input. :) Yes, I agree with all of this.
If in Amsterdam please avoid GGZ like hell. They don’t really have an ADHD center, they have a very small subdivision that can do almost nothing (only psycho education). I’m not sure what is the situation in other cities.
PS I pinged a few ADHD academic discords; if you want to join them, let me know. There are 2 for graduate students. I am sure they would not mind.