How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or a child may be suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you right there and then but will probably refer you for a clinical assessment.
This will be done with a psychiatrist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can also help you obtain DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing a report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you should do if you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to see your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert, if required. It might be beneficial to bring some notes in writing with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that can take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as seeking out your family history, and any other mental health problems you or your family members suffered from in the past. You might also be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about the options for medication.
It is important to realize that it can be difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will typically want to see evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out any other causes for your problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal evaluation through one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be a bit difficult to deal with GPs who don't understand the science behind ADHD. However, persistence is the key to success.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis is required to qualify for Disability Living Allowance and other reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines give you a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may request you to complete the questionnaire which will be assessed by a psychiatrist. They may also consult with other professionals who have known you, such as health professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present from childhood. They will also consider whether other health issues like thyroid issues or depression may be causing your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include medication, which is helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you back to your GP to manage shared care.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you for an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help to reduce your symptoms and increase your life skills. You may also find it useful to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people with ADHD discover that they must work harder than others to get through their day-to-day lives. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They might also feel people don't get it and may be angry or angry or. There are many ways you can seek help. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are offered by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For a lot of people, having an opinion from a different doctor can be very helpful. This is particularly important when you've been misdiagnosed, or you suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can give you an understanding of the issues you're going through and how it is impacting your life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist thoroughly in order to determine whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. This can be done by self-referral or an GP referral, or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you do decide to self-referral it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you might have before your appointment, and noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different aspects of your life. You can also request that copies of your medical records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed analysis of your symptoms, examining how they impact your daily activities and looking at any comorbidities present, like depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a clinical interview to establish a diagnosis which they then follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the support you need to manage your symptoms, which includes medication and psychotherapy. It could also open the door to accessing disability support, such as Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant way then they'll refer you to a medical assessment. It's usually a extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to examine your school records or speak to anyone who knew you as an infant. This is because it's not thought that ADHD develops in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely have the option to choose the provider after you've been advised. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to use it on this page from ADHD UK.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university if you are a student. If they're willing to do this, then the results will be sufficient to get assistance through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you might want to look into getting a private diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. He or she might recommend medication or other treatments. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what following that and send you back to your GP with a plan. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to think about the possibility of medication and a referral to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might also be biased towards the diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. This could make it harder to obtain a diagnosis, however perseverance pays off.
You'll need to go through a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. adhd diagnosis uk adults are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to describe how you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been recurring for some time and have an enormous impact on your life. This may include finding old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your past struggles.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to consider medication options. This usually involves an agreement to share care with your GP, where you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to obtain your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through pharmacies.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis won't necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). For medication to be obtained through this route, you will require a referral from NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.