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PART 3: DIAGNOSING ADHD
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: I’m not a medical doctor or psychologist and therefore cannot and will not diagnose any individual with ADHD or any other medical condition.
Diagnosing ADHD
Living a godly life is not easy for any of us! We are all (or should be) reliant upon His grace and mercy.
Recognizing our limitations - whether the general limitation of our sinful nature or a medical limitation adversely affecting our health and lives - helps us become more aware of our weaknesses and, in essence, more attuned to the ways in which God can show Himself as our vital necessity.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
Often the outward appearance of symptoms is focused on and treatment is attempted, yet it is our heart that the LORD is most concerned with.
It is often within the heart that the true root of the problem exists.
The same can be said of the mind.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
Romans 12:2 tells us that the life of any believer and follower of CHRIST constantly needs transformation, and that transformation occurs through the renewing of the mind.
It is the heart and the mind that control thoughts and behaviors, and both the heart and mind need the redemptive, transformative, renewing work of JESUS in order to achieve the best results for life change.
Though many believe ADHD to be over-diagnosed or misdiagnosed, it is a real, biological medical conditions that persist through one's lifetime.
Proper diagnosis, however, can point you in the right direction, so that you’re able to manage your symptoms better.
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing...God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-4;12
Deciding if you have ADHD is a process with several steps and, unfortunately, there is no single test to diagnose it.
Many children diagnosed with ADHD will continue to meet the criteria for the disorder later in life and may show impairments requiring ongoing treatment.
However, sometimes a diagnosis of ADHD is missed during childhood. Additionally, many adults with ADHD do not even realize they have the disorder.
A comprehensive evaluation typically includes a review of past and current symptoms, a medical exam, medical and genetic history, and the use of rating scales or checklists.
There are no specific blood tests or routine imaging for ADHD diagnosis.
A diagnosis is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months.
While ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, it begins in childhood.
Sometimes, patients may be referred for additional psychological testing (such as neuropsychological or psycho-educational testing) or may undergo computer-based tests to assess the severity of symptoms.
It is important to note the following when diagnosing or being diagnosed with ADHD:
Several conditions can mimic ADHD such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, learning disorders, mood disorders, substance use, head injuries, thyroid conditions, and use of some medications such as steroids.
ADHD may also co-exist with other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder, anxiety disorders, and learning disorders... thus, a full medical AND psychiatric evaluation is necessary.
ADHD Diagnosis by Age and Type
Individuals who are 16 years old or younger are diagnosed with ADHD if:
They have had at least six (6) persistent symptoms of either ADHD Type (Inattentive, Hyperactivity-Impulsivity, or Combined).
Symptoms have been present for at least six (6) months.
Symptoms must be present in two (2) or more settings (for example, at home or school or with friends or relatives).
Symptoms interfere with the quality of social or school functioning.
Individuals who are 17 years old or older are diagnosed with ADHD if:
They have had at least five (5) persistent symptoms of either ADHD Type (Inattentive, Hyperactivity-Impulsivity, or Combined).
History of symptoms must have been present before the age of 12.
Symptoms have been present for at least six (6) months.
Symptoms must be present in two (2) or more settings (for example, at home or school or with friends or relatives).
Symptoms interfere with the quality of social or school functioning.
Newly diagnosed? You are not alone.
People with ADHD need more support, understanding, and guidance than people who don't have ADHD.
With so much information (both true and untrue) out there about ADHD, it is common to feel overwhelmed.
If you can humbly embrace this diagnosis with compassion and grace and refuse to believe the lies and stigmas around it, you can lead the vibrant, abundant, fulfilling life that God has planned for you!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
If however, we are not willing to embrace this “thorn in our flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7), then we cannot receive the almighty healing that God through Christ Jesus can perform in our lives.
"And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief." Mark 6:5-6
"That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10
God did not desire for His people to live with disorders or diseases. He will one day completely heal, fill, and make whole those who love Him.
"Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." Jeremiah 17:14
So while it is true that ADHD is a disorder that God did not desire for His people, it is an opportunity for Him to be glorified.
God is glorified when Christians act with compassion and encouragement toward those with the ADHD, and any disorder for that matter.
God is glorified when those with ADHD allow Him to overcome the sinful nature of its symptoms through the healing work of the Holy Spirit, and employ the strengths of ADHD to benefit His kingdom here on earth and the world at large.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
After facing the pain and grief of a difficult diagnosis such as ADHD, you can be sure and know that God mourns in this suffering with us (Psalm 56:8). So be comforted that the LORD of all creation has your back!
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for Me?" Jeremiah 32:27
Ultimately, a believer wrestling with ADHD should take much comfort in the example of grace, patience, and forgiveness demonstrated by our LORD and Savior CHRIST JESUS.
We are all beautifully and uniquely created, each person with such differing experiences and various struggles, and yet the love of Jesus extends to us all!
He desires us to be formed more into His image, character, mindset, and behavior.
God sees you, and loves you. May He give you wisdom, blessings, and victory in life as you pursue Him more!
When to disclose an ADHD diagnosis
You’ve just started a new job, or you’ve just received your diagnosis, and you’re still getting the hang of managing your symptoms.
Should you tell your employer that you have ADHD?
When you apply for a job, the application might have a checkbox where you can disclose that you have a disability. ADHD is considered a disability in this context.
If you’d like, you can disclose your ADHD upfront, but this isn’t a must.
You don’t have an obligation to disclose your ADHD diagnosis to any employer, present or future. You can do what feels most comfortable for you at the time.
Many people choose to disclose their diagnosis if they need extra accommodations at work.
That said, you can also ask for these accommodations without disclosing your diagnosis if you prefer.
If you’re at college or university, you might benefit from asking about the accommodations they typically provide for ADHD students.
Of course, ADHD should never be used as an excuse to allow or promote sinful behavior or attitudes like selfishness, laziness, sexual immorality, fits of anger, or addiction (Galatians 5:19–21).
EVERY human has a sinful nature and no biological disorder or life circumstance is an excuse for any of us to indulge that sinful nature.
That being said, it is important that we pray for discernment to determine whether our behavior is a result of sin or whether it is an involuntary outplay of a poorly controlled disorder.
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