How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They can't diagnose you there and then but will probably refer you for an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can also help you get DSA and other reasonable adjustments by making a report.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child is suffering from a problem with ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. You may find it useful to take written notes for this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves checking the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family history and identifying any mental health issues that you or your family members may have faced in the recent past. You may be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you fit the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you medication options.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment - this typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also have to rule out any other causes for your issues like anxiety or depression.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may be interested in an individual assessment. There are a variety of providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be a hassle to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who don't know the science behind ADHD However, perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a referral
A clinical diagnosis is needed to qualify for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may require you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be assessed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also want to talk to other professionals who have worked with you, such as teachers or health workers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present from childhood. They will also consider whether other health issues, such as thyroid or depression may be causing your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment with you following the evaluation. This might include medication, which can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to go with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you back to your GP to manage shared care.
If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you for an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your life skills. Joining a group of people who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find they have to work harder than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This can mean they lack self-esteem and can be dissatisfied with their lack of success in the workplace or in relationships. They might also feel people don't understand their situation and become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are lots of good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get a second opinion
For many, getting an opinion from a different doctor is extremely beneficial. This is especially true when you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a condition such as depression or anxiety which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can help you determine what's happening to you and how it may be affecting your daily life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail because it could affect whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. This can be done by self-referring or getting an GP referral or go private and book an appointment with a specialist in 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, make notes about the symptoms you experience and how they impact different areas of your daily life. You may also request copies of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. meet with them.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, looking at the ways they affect your daily activities and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, such as depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to reach a diagnosis, which they'll follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the support you need to manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medication. It could also open the doors to obtaining disability assistance such as Disabled Student allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's impacting on your life they'll refer you to a clinical assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults is typically a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to see your school records, or talk to someone who knew you as a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to develop in adults, and they'll have to confirm the symptoms from the age of a child.
If you've been referred to an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice of which healthcare provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right to select their mental health providers and also their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to make use of it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you may be able to be assessed by your university. If they're willing to allow this, then the report should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students Allowance. They won't be in a position to prescribe medication, so you might be able to get an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you to suffer from significant impairment. He or she might recommend treatment with medication or other methods. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll decide on what to do next and send you back to your GP. In most cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to look into medication options and a referral back to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It isn't easy to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of the condition's presentation in adults. They might be biased or don't take symptoms seriously. This could make it harder to obtain a diagnosis, however perseverance pays off.
You will need a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain your reasons for believing that your symptoms could be due to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant effect on your. This could include obtaining old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your issues in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. This is usually a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also opt to obtain your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication from pharmacies.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication through this method.