FAQ, useful resources, and links: ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and coaching

How do I know if I really have ADHD? How do I get an ADHD diagnosis?

An ADHD diagnosis should be made by experienced psychiatrists and neuropsychologists. It is a clinical diagnosis. Neither psychological tests of brain function nor imaging techniques are appropriate for diagnosing ADHD according to current international guidelines (Reference 1 below).

That means we need experienced clinicians to make the diagnosis, not just tests or measurements of brain function, even if these currently seem to be en vogue.

It's often well worth the wait time to see an experienced clinician who understands and cares about ADHD and is up-to-date on current research.

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At which age can ADHD be diagnosed?

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ADHD can be diagnosed at any age (except very early childhood).

ADHD was often missed in women, in primarily inattentive types of any gender, in people with comorbidities, and those able to mask their symptoms well, for example due to various types of giftedness. So just because you're older and were never diagnosed doesn't mean you don't have ADHD. Receiving a diagnosis and treatment at any age can change your life.

How do I find an experienced professional who can diagnose ADHD?

Switzerland: The Swiss Professional Society for ADHD maintains a list of professionals that can be viewed on the internet, which lists the individual's expertise in great detail - very useful to know when you - I highly recommend you take a look. The patient organizations adhs20plus.ch and elpos can also recommend specialists.

I am happy to help existing clients to find a suitable specialist from my network.

Do I need a diagnosis to benefit from coaching?

Absolutely not. Anyone who recognizes themselves or their loved ones in the descriptions of ADHD can benefit from ADHD Coaching.

References:

1) The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. Faraone SV et al. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022. Link to the publication