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 away however they will recommend a clinical assessment.
This will be conducted with the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They'll also write an assessment report that will assist you in making 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 see your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It might be beneficial to write down some notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This procedure can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as asking about your family history, as well as any other mental health problems you or your family members suffered from in the past. You might also be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
Adults often mask their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically want to see evidence that your symptoms are causing significant impairment - this is usually done by looking through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out any other possible causes of your issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private assessment through one of the many services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD However, perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a reference
A clinical diagnosis is required to be eligible for 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 require you to fill out an assessment form that will be assessed by psychiatrists. They may also ask you to talk to other professionals who have been around you, like teachers or healthcare workers. They will be looking for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also examine other health conditions like thyroid or depression to determine if they might explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist might discuss possible treatment options with you following the examination. This could include medication, which is beneficial for many people who have ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication Your Psychiatrist will send you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you do not want to take medication You can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. It may also be beneficial to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their daily lives. This could mean they are self-conscious and can feel frustrated by their lack of success in work or with relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand them and may become angry or bitter. However, there are many ways to get support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are lots of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion can be beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially true in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that could coexist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can help you understand what is happening to you and how it may be affecting your daily life.
It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist as this will determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer, obtain an GP referral or schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to take the self-referral route it is recommended to gather any information you might have before your appointment, and also noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different areas of your life. You may also request a copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to when you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough analysis of your symptoms. They will look at how they affect your daily life and also look for co-morbidities, such as depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are usually used to establish a diagnosis. This is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy. It can also assist you to get disability assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments in school or college.
4. Do a clinical examination
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD, and that it affects your life in a significant way, 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 may also want to see your school records or talk to someone who was familiar with you as an infant. This is because it's not thought that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults, and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely be offered the choice of selecting one of the providers after being advised. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers and also their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find information on how to utilize it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able to receive an assessment from your university. If they're happy to do this, then their report should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medications, so you might want to consider getting a private diagnose instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goal and any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide on what to do and refer you back to see your GP. In adhd diagnosis uk adults , a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to consider medication. They might also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They could be biased or not take the symptoms seriously. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis, but persistence will pay off.
You will need to have a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain how you're experiencing symptoms and why you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They'll be interested to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant impact on you. This could include collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in the forms detailing how you've suffered in the past.
Following your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore medication options. Usually, this will involve an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through a pharmacy.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral as well as a full examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of obtaining medication through this method.