On average, how long does the process take to get diagnosed

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Back in March, I went to a psychlogist thru work and he stated I have ADHD. Obtained a regular gp doctor in April after years and years going without and told her what the psychologist stated. She said she needed the paper work to proceed. It’s August and I am just starting to push the paper work from work to her.

So my question is, how long does it take to get a diagnosis from a gp to a psyhologist or psychiatrist. Wondering if I have to go thru months of waiting….I live in Ontario.

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[Anonymous]

Hello Cyber World,

Went to my gp doctor today and she prescribed adderall. So happy and thankful I do not have to go thru a run around as some seem to have had to. Will be startng cognitive behavioral therapy next week. Very happy.

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[Scattybird]

Hi Carabiner – well done! It sounds like you have a good doctor there!

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[shutterbug55]

I think it falls under the heading “Results may vary”. It all depends what country you live in, what region you live in that country, how many specialists are available in your area. Then it depends how your insurance company or provider handles ADD.

For me, it took several months from the time I talked with my GP to the time I had pills in hand and started counseling. It took another couple months before I got the meds down to a science.

Results may vary: Keep notes, come to your appointments prepared, direct the discussions to what YOU want to talk about. Bring a companion/advocate, who knows you at your best and worst and still likes you (spouses are great). For me, these things shortened the time my doctors and I spent in “discovery”.

Hope this helps.

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[Rick Green – Founder of TotallyADD]

Yes, I agree with Shutterbug55. Results may vary.

I got diagnosed very quickly. That was over a decade ago. And I’d done a lot of reading and prep work, so I was able to list the issues I was having that were common to ADHD adults, like, “Lots started but not much finished.” “Problems with paperwork.” “Bluritn gout or interrupting.” and dozens more.

It also helped that my G.P. had referred me to a psychologist specializing in ADHD who clearly had ADHD, knew it, and had made huge progress in handling it. While my doctor was free, the specialist was, and continues to be, paid by me. (Yes, even in Ontario and Canada you pay for many medical services.)

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