How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or a child may be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you immediately, but they will probably refer you for a clinical assessment.
This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They can also help you receive DSA and other reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report.
1. Talk with your doctor
The first thing you should do when you suspect that your child suffers with ADHD is to see your GP. They will be able to assess whether they think that you are suffering from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist if necessary. It may be beneficial to write down some notes for this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves checking the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background and identifying any mental health issues you or your family members may have experienced in the recent past. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
It is crucial to recognize that it is difficult for adults to get 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'll also need to rule out other causes for your difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may think about an assessment by a private doctor. There are a number of providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who aren't aware of the scientific basis behind ADHD. But persistence is key.
2. Request a recommendation
A clinical diagnosis is needed to be eligible 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 might ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will be assessed by psychiatrists. They might also speak to other professionals who have known you, such as health professionals or teachers. They will look for signs that are similar to ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health conditions, such as depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist will discuss treatment options with you after the assessment. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you to your GP to share the care management.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist could suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help you reduce your symptoms and increase your life abilities. It may also be useful to join a group for people with ADHD. They can be very helpful and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find that they need to work harder than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They can also feel that others don't understand them and can be angry or resentful. However, there are many ways to receive support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. There are many organizations that provide these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For many, getting a second opinion is extremely beneficial. 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 disorders and can provide an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it is affecting your life.
You should discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in detail, as it can influence whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this by self-referral or an 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 recommended to gather any supporting documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect various aspects of your life. You can also ask for a copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to when you meet with them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, including how they impact your daily activities and assessing any comorbidities present, including anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a clinical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they will then follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the help you require to manage your symptoms, which includes psychotherapy and medication. It could also open the doors to accessing disability-related assistance like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP believes that you have ADHD, and that it affects your life in a significant manner they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is usually a fairly thorough process that involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to look over your school records, or talk to anyone who knew you as when you were a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to manifest in adults, and they will need to confirm your symptoms from your childhood.
You'll likely be given the option to choose a provider once you've been referred. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental health providers and their local NHS trust. You can find useful information on how to use 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 take the initiative, their report is sufficient to receive support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you - therefore, you may need to consider obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment, and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to visit your GP. In the majority of instances doctors will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to think about taking medication. They may also refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They may be biased against an diagnosis, or not consider the symptoms serious. This can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, however perseverance will pay off.
You'll need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain how you're struggling with the 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 impact on you. This could involve getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've been struggling in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able discuss whether you want to think about alternative medications. This will usually involve an agreement to share care with your GP and you will pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can also choose to have your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of obtaining medication through this method.