How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to diagnose you immediately however they will recommend a clinical assessment.
This is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They'll also prepare a report that'll aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Speak with your doctor
The first thing to do should you or your child suffers with ADHD is to visit your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert. It may be useful to take written notes to this appointment.
Your GP should then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as asking about your family history, and any other mental health issues you or your family members have had in the past. You might be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you treatment options.
Adults often hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment. This is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation with one of the numerous providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who don't know the science of ADHD however persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to receive 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 ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire. The results will be reviewed by a specialist psychiatrist. They may also want to consult with other professionals who have known you, such as teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health issues like depression or thyroid problems might be the cause of your symptoms.
After the assessment the Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which is helpful for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share care management.
If you are not ready to take medication or take medication, you can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your life skills. You may also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people suffering from ADHD must struggle to make ends meet in their daily lives. This can cause low self-esteem and anger about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They can also feel that other people don't understand them and can be angry or resentful. There are many ways to get help. You can join online groups or meet in person. There are a lot of good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For many, getting an additional opinion is extremely beneficial. This is especially important if you've been misdiagnosed or have a condition like depression or anxiety that could coexist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health issues and can offer a clear understanding of what you are going through and how it may be affecting your life.
You should discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or get a GP referral or book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect various aspects of your life. You can also request copies of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist prior to when you meet with them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms. They will assess how they affect your daily activities and also look for complications, like depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a clinical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the support you need to manage your symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy. adhd uk diagnosis can also help you access support for disabled people, such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at school or college.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant way then they'll recommend a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves talking with someone (often psychiatrists) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to examine your school records or to speak to anyone who knew you as a child. This is because it's not thought that ADHD can develop in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely be given the option to choose the provider after you've been advised. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university when you are an undergraduate student. If they are willing to do so the report is sufficient to receive help from reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's Allowance. They won't be in a position to prescribe medications, so you might be able to get an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest medication or other therapies. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide on what to do next and send you back to see your GP. In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to think about medications and a referral to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how ADHD manifests in adults. They might be biased against a diagnosis, or simply not consider the symptoms serious. This could make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance will pay off.
You will need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain why you're experiencing symptoms and why you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant effect on you. This could mean getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've suffered in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able to decide if you would like to think about alternative medications. This usually involves a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You may also opt to have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from pharmacies.
A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this method, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.