How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you immediately, but they will refer you to a clinical assessment.
This is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They can also help you receive DSA and reasonable adjustments by making a report.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child have a problem with ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe that you suffer from ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. It may be helpful to take some written notes for this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This is a process that can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as seeking out your family history, as well as any other mental health issues you or your family have been through in the past. You may be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
It's important to realise that it can be a challenge for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need to see proof that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family. They'll also want to rule out other possible causes for your issues, like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal evaluation with one of the numerous providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who don't know the science behind ADHD however persistence is key.
2. Ask for a reference
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 the questionnaire which will be assessed by psychiatrists. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may also ask to talk to other professionals who have known you, like healthcare professionals or teachers. They will search for signs that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since the age of. They will also consider other health conditions like thyroid issues or depression to determine if they might explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist might discuss treatment options with you after the evaluation. This might include medication that can be beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share care management.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you for an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help you manage your symptoms and improve life skills. It may also be beneficial to join a support group for people with ADHD. They can be very helpful and reassuring.
Many people who suffer from ADHD need to struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This can mean that they are self-conscious and can be frustrated by their lack of success at work or with relationships. They can also feel that others don't understand them and can be angry or resentful. However, there are many ways to get support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are offered by many good organisations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially true when you've 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 issues and can give you an understanding of the issues you are going through and how it could be affecting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in depth because it could affect whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this either by self-referring or obtaining a GP referral or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect different areas of your daily life. You can also ask for an official copy of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist before you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms. They will look at how they affect your daily activities and also look for comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to arrive at the diagnosis. This is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the assistance you require like medication or psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It could also open the doors to obtaining disability assistance, such as Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments in college or at school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant way they will recommend 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 ask to look over your school records, or speak to anyone who knew you well as a child. This is because it's not thought that ADHD develops in adults, and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms were present from childhood.
If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll most likely be offered a choice of which provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers and also their local NHS trust. You can find useful information on how to utilize this tool at ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
If you're a student you might be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to allow this, then their report 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 psychiatrist will determine whether your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. They may recommend medication or other treatments. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. Then, they'll make a choice about what to do next and return you to your GP with an action plan. In most cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to look into medications and a referral to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They might be biased or do not take the symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You'll need to go through a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain your reasons for believing that the symptoms you are experiencing could be due to ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been present for a long time and have a significant impact on your life. This could mean getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out reports on how you've been struggling in the past.
After your assessment, you will be able to discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. This usually involves an agreement to share care with your GP and you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this route, you will require a referral from the NHS and a full assessment of ADHD by psychiatrist.