How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately however they will refer you to a medical assessment.
This will be done with a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report to assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Speak with your doctor
The first thing to do when you suspect that your child is suffering with ADHD is to see your GP. If they believe you have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert if needed. It may be helpful to bring some notes in writing with you to the appointment.
Your GP should then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This procedure will take 45 to 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and asking about your family history and any other mental health problems you or your family members been through in the past. You may also be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually want to see evidence that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment - this is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out other causes for your problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation with one of the many providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating to be faced with GPs, psychologists and nurses who don't know the science of ADHD, but perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a referral
A clinical diagnosis is needed to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will be evaluated by psychiatrists. They may also consult with other professionals who have worked with you - for example, teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present from childhood. They will also investigate whether other health issues, such as depression or thyroid problems may be causing your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment with you following the evaluation. This could include medication, which can be beneficial for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you back to your GP to manage shared care.
If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you for an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and enhance your the quality of your life. Joining a group of people who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or bitter. There are many ways that you can get support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. These services are provided by many good organisations.
3. Get another opinion
For a lot of people, having a second opinion can be extremely beneficial. This is especially important if you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health conditions and can give you a clear understanding of what you're experiencing and how it could be impacting your life.
It is essential to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, as this can affect whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer or obtain a GP referral or make an appointment privately with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you do decide to self-referral, it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you have prior to your appointment, and making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on various aspects of your life. You can also request copies of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, including how they interfere with your daily activities and assessing any comorbidities that might be present, like depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a medical interview to determine a diagnosis, which they'll follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to accessing disability support like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP believes that you may be suffering from ADHD, and that it affects your life in a significant way they will recommend a clinical assessment. It's usually a extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling out questionnaires and checklists. adhd diagnosis might also need to look over your school records or talk to someone who was familiar with you as when you were 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 likely be given the option of which provider to see. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can get useful information on how to utilize this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
If you're a student you may be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to do this, then the report should be enough to access support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student' Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you might want to look into getting a private diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine if your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. They might recommend medication or other treatments. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll then make a decision regarding what next and send you back 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 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. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They could be biased or do not take symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence pays 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 be asked to explain the reasons why you believe your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant impact on you. This could include getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've struggled in the past.
Following your clinical evaluation You can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore different options for your medication. This usually involves an agreement to share care with your GP which will allow you to be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at a pharmacy.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis won't necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a thorough assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of getting medication via this route.