How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately but they'll recommend a clinical assessment.
This will be done with a psychiatrist (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report that will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child has issues with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to see your GP. If they believe you have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert, if required. It may be helpful to bring a few notes with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This procedure will take 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, and any other mental health issues you or your family members suffered from in the past. You might be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will need to see proof that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done through old school documents or letters from relatives. They will also need to rule out other reasons 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 many providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating to be faced with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a reference
A clinical diagnosis is needed to qualify for Disability Living Allowance and other reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely ask you to complete the questionnaire, which will be reviewed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They might also request to talk to other professionals who have been around you, like healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for signs that match those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. ADHD Diagnosis will also investigate whether other health issues, such as thyroid issues or depression may be causing your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist will discuss treatment options with you after the assessment. This might include medication 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 do not want to take medication You could ask your Psychiatrist to provide an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This will aid in managing your symptoms and enhance your life skills. You may also find it useful to join a support group for people with ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people who suffer from ADHD need to struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This could mean they have low self-esteem and can be unhappy with their lack of success at the workplace or in relationships. They may also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or bitter. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion can be helpful for many people. This is especially true if you have been misdiagnosed, or if you suffer from a condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can assist you to determine what's happening to you and how it might be affecting your daily life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, as this can affect whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer, obtain an GP referral or book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-refer it's best that you gather any supporting documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect various aspects of your life. You may also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough evaluation of your symptoms. They will look at how they affect your daily life, and look for any co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a medical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the support you need including medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It can also assist you to access disability support like Disabled Student's Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in school or college.
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 manner, 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. They might also need to look over your school records, or speak to someone who knew you as when you were a child. This is due to the fact that it's not believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll likely be offered 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. This is called Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to use it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able to receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do this, then the report should be enough to qualify for support through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students Allowance. They won't be in the position to prescribe medication, so you may think about obtaining a private diagnose instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. The doctor may recommend medications or other treatments. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what next and will return you to your GP with a plan. In the majority of cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you'd like to think about the possibility of medication and a recommendation to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They could also be biased towards a diagnosis, or simply not consider the symptoms serious. This could make it more difficult to get a diagnosis, however perseverance can pay off.
You will require an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain your reasons for believing that your symptoms could be due to ADHD. They will want to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on you. This could include obtaining old school records and asking family members to fill in forms regarding your issues in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able discuss whether you want to look into alternative medication options. This usually involves a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral and a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication via this route.