How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Consult your GP if you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can't diagnose you there and then but will likely refer you to an assessment in the clinic.
This will take place with a psychiatrist (or psychologist who is located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They can also write an assessment report to aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child is suffering from a problem with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the first step is to visit your GP. They will be able to determine whether they believe you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. It might be beneficial to write down some notes for this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background and also asking about any mental health issues you or your family might have experienced in the recent past. You might be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about the options for medication.
It is important to realize that it is difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will usually want to see evidence that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation with one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who don't understand the science behind ADHD. But perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a reference
A medical diagnosis is required to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might request you to complete an assessment form that will be assessed by psychiatrists. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have been around you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also look into whether other health issues like thyroid issues or depression may be causing your symptoms.
After the assessment Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about the treatment options available. This could include medications which could be beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to discuss care management.
If you are not ready to take medication or take medication, you can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help you reduce your symptoms and increase your life abilities. adult adhd diagnosis uk might also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD must work harder to get by in their lives. This can mean that they have low self-esteem and may be frustrated by their inability to succeed at the workplace or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand their situation and feel angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. There are lots of good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion is beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially true when you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health conditions and can give you an accurate understanding of what you're experiencing and how it may be impacting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth, as it can influence whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer, request an GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-referral it is recommended to gather any information you have prior to your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You can also ask for a copy of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist prior to when you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed analysis of your symptoms. They will examine the way they impact your daily functioning and also look for comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are typically used to arrive at an assessment. This is then followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need including medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It could also open the door to accessing disability-related assistance like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments to the college or school.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant manner they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is usually a fairly extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They might also want to see your school records or speak to someone who knew you as an infant. This is because ADHD isn't believed to develop in adults, and they will have to confirm the symptoms from your childhood.
You'll likely be offered the option to choose the provider after you've been advised. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers, and also their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you can find information on how to use it on this page from ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able receive an assessment from your university. If they are willing to provide it the report is sufficient to receive assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, so you may want to consider obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine whether your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. The doctor might recommend medications or other treatments. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. They'll then decide on what to do and refer you back to visit your GP. In the majority of instances, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd prefer to take medication. They might also refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of the condition's presentation in adults. They may be biased or not take symptoms seriously. This can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, however perseverance will pay off.
You'll need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked why you believe that the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been going on for a long time and are having an impact on your life. This may include getting old school records or asking family members to fill in forms about 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 get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). For medication to be obtained through this method, you'll need a referral from the NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.