How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately, but they will refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate you for ADHD. They can also assist you to get DSA and other reasonable adjustments by writing reports.
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. They will be able determine whether they think that you have ADHD and will refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It may be helpful to bring a few notes along to the appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history, and asking about any mental health issues that you or your family members may have experienced in the past. You might be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you treatment options.
It is crucial to recognize that it is difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD because they have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This typically involves looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out other reasons for your problems such as depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in a private assessment. There are a variety of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be a bit difficult to deal with GPs who aren't aware of the scientific basis behind ADHD. But perseverance is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely request you to fill out the questionnaire, which will be assessed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They might also consult with other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or health workers. They will look for signs that match those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health conditions such as depression or thyroid issues to see if they could explain your symptoms.
After the evaluation Your Psychiatrist will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include medication, which is beneficial for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share the management of your care.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you for an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can help to manage your symptoms and enhance your life abilities. Joining a support group of people suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that they must do more work than others to live their daily lives. This can lead to low self-esteem, and frustration with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't understand their situation and become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are offered by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion can be helpful for many people. This is particularly important if you have been misdiagnosed or if you suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that can co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders and can offer a clear understanding of what you're experiencing and how it is impacting your life.
It is essential to discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, since this will determine if you are able to meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this either by self-referral or a GP referral, or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you do decide to take the self-referral route it is recommended to gather any relevant information you might have before your appointment, and taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You can also request copies of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to when you visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough assessment of your symptoms. They will examine how they affect your daily functioning and will look for co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to establish a diagnosis. This is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, such as medication and psychotherapy. It can also allow you to access support for disabled people, like Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments in college or at school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP believes that you have ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant manner, they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is typically a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to see your school records or talk to someone who knew you as when you were a child. It's because ADHD isn't thought to manifest in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms from the age of a child.
You'll likely be offered the option to choose one of the providers after being recommended. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental healthcare providers and also their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to make use of it on this webpage from ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to do this, then the report should be enough to qualify for assistance through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you may need to seek an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals, as well as any other concerns you might have. They'll then make a decision regarding what next and will refer you back to your GP with plans. In the majority of instances doctors will diagnose 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
It can be difficult to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how ADHD manifests in adults. They might be biased or do not consider symptoms as serious. developmental history can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, however perseverance can pay off.
You will need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. Only these professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked why you believe that your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been going on for some period of time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This could include getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out the forms detailing how you've been struggling in the past.
Following your clinical evaluation After your evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you would like to explore different options for your medication. Typically, this will require an agreement to share care with your GP where you pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You may also opt to get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from pharmacies.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis will not necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll require an NHS referral and a thorough evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication via this route.