How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child could have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you immediately, but they will probably refer you for a clinical assessment.
This will take place with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They'll also write a report that'll help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child is suffering from a problem with ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able to determine whether they believe you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist when needed. It may be helpful to bring some written notes with you to the appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background and also asking about any mental health issues that you or your family may have had in the past. You might also be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically want to see evidence that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. diagnosis of adhd involves old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out any other causes for your problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may think about a private assessment. There are a number of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD, but perseverance is essential.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to qualify for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may request you to complete an assessment form that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They might also consult with other professionals who have worked with you, such as health professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also look at other health conditions such as thyroid issues or depression to see if they could explain your symptoms.
After the evaluation, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medications that can be beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you to your GP to share the care management.
If you are not ready to take medication or take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help to manage your symptoms and improve your life abilities. Joining a group of people who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people suffering from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand their situation and become angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are lots of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion can be beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially true when you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that may be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health issues and can give you an understanding of the issues you're experiencing and how it may be impacting your life.
It is crucial to discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, since it can impact whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This can be done by self-referring or getting an GP referral or make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to take the self-referral route, it is a good idea to gather any information you may have prior to your appointment, and also noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also ask for copies of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist before you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, including the ways they affect your daily functioning and looking at any comorbidities that might be present, including anxiety or depression. They typically employ questionnaires and a medical interview to establish a diagnosis which they will then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the support you need to manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medication. It can also allow you to access support for disabled people, such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's affecting your life and your family, they'll recommend an assessment in a clinical setting. This is a lengthy process that involves speaking to someone (often psychiatrists) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to look over your school records or talk to someone who was familiar with you as a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to develop in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms from the age of a child.
After you've been recommended for an assessment, you'll likely be given the option of which provider to see. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to use this tool from ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
If you're a student, you might be able receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to allow this, then the results will be sufficient to get support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you might want to look into getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine whether your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. The doctor might recommend medication or other treatments. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. They'll decide on what to do next and send you back to your GP. In most cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to think about medication options and a recommendation to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of the condition's presentation in adults. They might be biased or not consider symptoms as serious. 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, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these healthcare professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you're struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they could be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been present for an extended period of period of time and are having a significant impact on your life. This could include getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in the forms detailing how you've struggled in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able to decide if you would like to look into alternative medication options. Typically, this will require an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication from the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a thorough evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication through this route.