How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They aren't able to diagnose you immediately, but they will probably refer you for an assessment in the clinic.
This is done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll evaluate your ADHD. They can also help you obtain DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report.
1. Speak with your doctor
If you or your child has an issue with ADHD the first step is to see your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe that you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist when needed. It is advisable to bring a few notes with you to the appointment.
Your GP should then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves checking the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history, and asking about any mental health issues you or your family may have faced in the recent past. You may be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you fit the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about treatment options.
It's important to realise that it is difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD since they've developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will typically want to see evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment - this is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out any other possible causes of your issues, like depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty 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 hassle to be faced with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are not aware of the science behind ADHD however perseverance is essential.
2. Request a recommendation
A medical diagnosis is required to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely require you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be assessed by a specialist psychiatrist. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have been around you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also look at other health issues like thyroid or depression to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
After the test Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which is useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend you to your GP to discuss the management of your care.
If you don't want to take medication You can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help you manage your symptoms and develop life skills. Joining a support group of people who suffer from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people with ADHD need to work harder to get by in their daily lives. This can mean they are self-conscious and may be frustrated by their lack of success in work or in relationships. They might also feel others don't understand their situation and feel angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to get assistance. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get another opinion
For a lot of people, having an opinion from a different doctor can be very helpful. This is particularly important if you have been misdiagnosed, or if you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety that can co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health issues and can give you an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it may be impacting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail in order to determine whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this by self-referral or a GP referral or you can make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you opt to self-refer it's best to gather any documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect different areas of your daily life. You can also request copies of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist before you visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, examining the ways they affect your daily life and assessing any comorbidities present, such as anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are usually used to arrive at a diagnosis. This is then followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the help you require like medication or psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It can also open the door to accessing disability-related assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's impacting your life, they'll refer you for an assessment. It's usually a extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to review your school records or speak to someone who knew you as when you were a child. It's because ADHD is not believed to develop in adults, and they will be required to confirm your symptoms since your childhood.
Once you've been referred for an assessment you'll probably be given a choice of which healthcare provider to see. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can find useful information on how to use this tool at ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
You may be able to get an assessment from your school in case you're studying there. If they are willing to provide it the results will be sufficient to get help from reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - therefore, you might want to look into getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment, and may recommend treatments such as medication or other. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll decide on what to do and send you back to your GP. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you want to consider the possibility of medication and a referral back 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, particularly in the NHS, lack understanding of how ADHD manifests in adults. They might be biased or don't take symptoms seriously. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis, but persistence pays off.
You'll need to undergo a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. adhd diagnosis uk adults are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain how you're struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been present for some period of time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This may include obtaining old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your struggles in the past.
After your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you would like to explore different options for your medication. Typically, this will require an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through a pharmacy.
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 full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication via this route.