Repeated delays in meetings, files started then completely forgotten, feeling of losing track at the slightest noise in an open space… What if it wasn’t just a lack of organization? Many adults end up asking questions when their careers start to stall.
If you look back, the clues may have already been there on your school report cards: chatter, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness. No miracle test on the program, but real research carried out by a professional. The Health Insurance website reminds us that it takes several consultations to trace your history from childhood. The research organization the Brain Institute confirms this: no blood test or biological analysis can make this diagnosis alone.
How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?
According to the Ameli website, your first instinct is to talk to your doctor, who can refer you to a psychiatrist or neurologist trained in this subject. The evaluation requires a little patience. The specialist conducts interviews, carries out a clinical examination and has you fill out questionnaires, sometimes completed by those around you. The objective is to assess your symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, as well as their impact on your everyday life. You may also be offered an additional assessment by a neuropsychologist.
To validate the disorder in those over 17, the international reference manual DSM-5 requires the presence of at least five symptoms of inattention or impulsivity. The Canadian organization CPAC APCC specifies that these manifestations must have appeared before the age of 12, be found in at least two living spaces (such as the home and the office) and clearly impact your daily social, professional or school life.
When work breaks the barriers of discreet ADHD
During your studies, you may have managed to compensate with tricks or informal accommodations. The problem is that once in the world of work, these benchmarks disappear and reality quickly catches up with the adults concerned. Disorganization sets in, emails pile up and maintaining attention during long meetings becomes a challenge. “Work presents people with ADHD with many challenges“, confirms clinical psychologist Sharon Saline in an interview with the specialized media Psychology Today.
The INRS prevention network currently estimates the proportion of adults concerned to be between 1.5% and 3.2%. Among the signals that should alert you: major time management concerns, difficulties in planning or recurring relational tensions with your colleagues. The occupational physician can be an excellent ally in spotting these warning signs. Self-administered tests, such as the ASRS questionnaire, remain simple guidance tools and never replace the advice of a doctor.
How to properly prepare for your consultation?
To make a solid diagnosis, the practitioner must find traces of these manifestations before the age of 12. The Brain Institute organization suggests that you put together a small file before your appointment: find your school reports with their annotations on inattention, remember your difficulties in remaining seated or ask loved ones about their memories. Also remember to note very specific examples of your current blockages at work.
The health authority, the Haute Autorité de Santé, finally reminds that ADHD is frequently accompanied by other imbalances, such as anxiety, depression or addictive behaviors. The doctor must take the time to unravel each avenue, which explains why this medical process sometimes takes several months. Once the conclusions have been drawn, you will finally be able to move forward, consider appropriate support and think about concrete arrangements with your company.