How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD, the first step is to talk to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you immediately, but they will probably refer you for an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will take place with psychiatrists (or psychologist who is located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test your symptoms for ADHD. They can also assist you to receive DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child is suffering from issues with ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe you are suffering from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist if necessary. You may find it helpful to take some written notes during this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family background, and asking about any mental health issues you or your family may have had in the recent past. You might be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about medication options.
It is important to realize that it is difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to verify that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done through old school records or letters from family. They will also need to rule out other reasons for your problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may want to consider an individual assessment. There are a number of providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult to be faced with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD, but persistence is key.
2. Ask for a reference
A medical diagnosis is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines give you a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may request you to fill out an assessment questionnaire. The results will be evaluated by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also ask to speak to other professionals that have known you, for example, teachers or healthcare workers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also consider whether other health issues, such as thyroid issues or depression, could explain your symptoms.
After the evaluation the Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people who have ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you back to your GP for shared care management.
If you don't want to take medication or take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This will help you manage your symptoms and enhance your life skills. Joining a support group of people who suffer from ADHD can be helpful. They can be very supportive and reassuring.
Many people suffering from ADHD must be more efficient in their daily lives. This can result in low self-esteem and anger about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel that others don't understand their situation and may become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can seek help. You can join online groups or meet in person. There are a lot of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get a second opinion
For many, getting an opinion from a different doctor is extremely beneficial. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed, or if you suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can help you discover what's happening to you and how it might be affecting your daily life.
It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, as this can affect whether you have the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. This can be done by self-referral or an GP referral or make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you opt to self-refer, it's a good idea that you gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, note down about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect various aspects of your life. You may also request that the records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, examining the ways they affect your daily life and examining any comorbidities that may be present, including anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to arrive at the diagnosis. This is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It could also open the door to accessing disability support like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to school or college.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you have ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant manner they will refer you to a medical assessment. adult adhd diagnosis uk is usually a fairly thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They might also want to look over your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as when you were a child. This is because it's not thought that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll most likely be given the option of which healthcare provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is known as 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 be assessed by your university. If they are willing to take the initiative the results is sufficient to receive assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - therefore, you might want to consider obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. Then, they'll make a choice on what to do next and will refer you back 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 medication options and a recommendation 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, especially in the NHS lack understanding of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They may also be biased towards a diagnosis, or simply not take the symptoms seriously. This can make it harder to obtain a diagnosis, but persistence will pay off.
You will need to have an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain why you believe that your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant impact on you. This could involve finding old school records and asking family members to fill in forms regarding your issues in the past.
After your assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to look into alternative medication options. This will usually involve a shared care agreement with your GP and you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through pharmacies.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis will not necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this method, you'll need a referral from the NHS and a complete evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.