How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child could have ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you right immediately, but they will likely refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be done with a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They'll also write a report that'll help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your doctor
If you or your child have issues with ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. It might be beneficial to bring some written notes along to the appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This procedure will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, as well as any other mental health problems you or your family members have been through in the past. how to diagnosis adhd might be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you treatment options.
Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also have to rule out other reasons for your issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may want to consider a private assessment. There are many options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be a hassle to be faced 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 access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you a right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might ask you to fill out an assessment form that will be reviewed by a psychiatrist. They may also ask you to speak to other professionals that have worked with you, such as teachers or healthcare workers. They will look for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also look at other health conditions such as thyroid issues or depression to determine if they might be the cause of your symptoms.
After the evaluation, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which is useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you to your GP to share care management.
If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist can suggest an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This will aid in managing your symptoms and enhance your life skills. It may also be useful to join a group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find they have to work harder than others to live their daily lives. This can result in low self-esteem and anger over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and may become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are offered by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially true in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health disorders and can offer a clear understanding of what you're going through and how it may be impacting your life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, since this will determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer or obtain a GP referral or make an appointment privately with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-refer, it's a good idea that you gather any supporting documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect different areas of your daily life. You can also request that the records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough analysis of your symptoms. They will examine the way they impact your daily functioning, and look for any complications, like depression or anxiety. A clinical interview and questionnaires are commonly used to determine a diagnosis. This is then followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the assistance you require like medication or psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It can also assist you to access disability support such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Have a medical evaluation
If your GP believes that you may be suffering from ADHD, and that it affects your life in a significant manner, they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to review your school records or talk to someone 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.
After you've been recommended for an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice of the provider you'd like to visit. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can find useful information on how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is called 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 so the results will be enough to qualify for assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medications, so you might want to consider getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment, and may recommend treatments such as medication or other. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals, as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll then make a decision on what to do next and will return you to your GP with plans. In most cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you'd like to look into medications and a recommendation to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They could be biased or do not take the symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You will need to have an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked the reasons why you believe your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They'll be interested to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant effect on you. This may include getting old school records or asking family members to fill in forms regarding your struggles in the past.
After your assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to look into alternative medication options. Usually, this will involve an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to obtain your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through a pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication through this route.