ADHD in Adults

How to Get Evaluated for ADHD as an adult in Malaysia

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is the most common neuro-developmental condition affecting children. However, not many know that ADHD can follow the person into adulthood. Like autism, people with ADHD have a difference in the way the brain processes information.

The name ADHD however, doesn’t gives the condition justice because a person with ADHD doesn’t actually have an attention deficit. Due to hyperactivity in the brain, they give too much attention to stimulus around them, and this makes it hard to focus on one thing at a time. This is where the person will appear inattentive or daydreamy. Similarly, hyperactivity here is often characterized by a young boy bouncing off the walls and running around. The “hyperactivity” in ADHD refers to hyperactivity in the brain. For some, this might manifest as a hyperactive child, but for others, it could just be a lot of restlessness and fidgeting.

This is the reason why many people, especially females, go undiagnosed.

There is also a misconception that people with ADHD cannot study or learn. However, this is not true. Many can excel academically in school and even at work. The problem is, as life’s demands increase, the undiagnosed adult with ADHD might find it harder to cope with their ADHD traits of being overwhelmed, demotivated and having emotional dysregulation that will eventually lead to burnouts or meltdowns. In addition, adults with ADHD are also more prone to anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. Substance abuse is common in ADHD because of the addictive nature of the ADHD brain that craves stimulation. For many undiagnosed adults, this becomes an unhealthy coping mechanism. Therefore, it is important to understand the signs of ADHD and seek a diagnosis to access healthier coping mechanism and therapies.

There are two ways an adult can get an ADHD diagnosis in Malaysia….

Consulting a psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is medical doctor specializing in psychiatric conditions and can prescribe medication. If ADHD medication is something you are keen to explore, seeing a psychiatrist may be the option for you. Many psychiatrists are based in hospitals while some would have their own private practices.

Consulting a clinical psychologist

A qualified psychologist will also be equipped to diagnose ADHD. They normally will recommend therapy and/or provide the client with coping mechanisms to use in their daily life. Many psychologists are based in mental health clinics offering therapeutic services.

My experience getting evaluated

For me personally, I have been to both.

My first encounter with a psychiatrist was not great because he felt like I was too high functioning to even be evaluated for ADHD.

He only spoke to me for 30 minutes and I did not feel comfortable revealing more information with him as he seemed rather dismissive. Instead, he told me I have social anxiety and some OCD traits. However, I also know of people who have gotten their diagnosis from psychiatrists and find their medications very helpful.

After equipping myself with more research on ADHD, I was convinced I needed an evaluation and sought out a psychologist instead. This was the evaluation that led to my diagnosis. The evaluation took 3 sessions, totaling to about 5 hours. It is not uncommon for the psychologist to also recommend other evaluations after speaking to you. I was also asked to do an evaluation for anxiety disorder because I did suffer from some anxiety issues.

Later, I understood the importance of evaluating my anxiety issues. It was the key towards rendering an accurate diagnosis.

After the evaluation, it was clear I did not have an anxiety disorder. I had very clear ADHD traits and I was told that my anxiety was a result from underlying ADHD that I had my whole life. This explains why I had social anxiety and some OCD traits as comorbidities to my condition. I honestly felt relieved, as I have answers to many of my difficult life experiences in the past. My best advice is to never give up searching for the right psychiatrist or psychologist if you feel an evaluation is what you need to move forward.

I also highly recommend doing some research on your own first. For a start, you can try doing an online screener here and here. You may also check out this informative YouTube channel by a fellow ADHD-er here. If you suspect you have ADHD, I do encourage you to seek an evaluation, as it will help you understand yourself better and form healthier coping mechanisms to live a more fulfilling life.

This piece was contributed by someone who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 34 in Malaysia.