How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to talk to your GP. They can't diagnose you there and then but likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They can also help you receive DSA and make reasonable adjustments by writing reports.
1. Talk with your doctor
The first thing to do when you suspect that your child suffers with ADHD is to consult your GP. If they believe you have ADHD they will refer you to an expert. You may find it useful to take written notes during this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This procedure can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, as well as any other mental health issues you or your family members have had in the past. You may be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
It is crucial to recognize that it can be a challenge for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD because they have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need 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 will also need you to rule out other causes for your symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the many providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to be faced with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not aware of the science behind ADHD However, persistence is key.
2. Request a recommendation
A clinical diagnosis is required to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant a right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may request you to fill out an assessment questionnaire. The results will be assessed by a specialist psychiatrist. They might also speak to other professionals who have worked with you, such as teachers or health workers. They will look for signs that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also consider whether other health issues, such as thyroid or depression, could explain your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include medication, which is beneficial for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to discuss the care management.
If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis 're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you for an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can aid in managing your symptoms and improve life skills. You may also find it useful to join a group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This can mean that they are self-conscious and can feel unhappy with their inability to succeed at work or in relationships. They may also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or bitter. However, there are many ways to receive help. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. There are many good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is particularly important if you have been misdiagnosed, or if you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can help you determine what's happening to you and how it may be affecting your daily life.
It is important to discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail because it could affect whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this by self-referring or obtaining a GP referral or go private and book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-referral it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you have prior to your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different areas of your life. You can also request that copies of your medical records be provided 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 activities and also look for comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to determine the diagnosis. The diagnosis is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also allow you to access disability support like Disabled Student's Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in the college or school.
4. Do a clinical examination
If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant manner they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy procedure that involves speaking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to examine your school records or to talk to anyone who knew you well as a child. This is due to the fact that it's not believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely be offered the option to choose one of the providers after being referred. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find information on how to use it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you might be able receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do so the report will be sufficient to get support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medication, so you might think about obtaining a private diagnose instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may recommend treatment or other options. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals, as well as any other concerns you may have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what following that and return you to your GP with plans. In most cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to look into medications and a recommendation to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It isn't easy to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS lack understanding of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might be biased against a diagnosis, or simply not consider the symptoms serious. It is sometimes difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You will need an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain why you're struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been recurring for an extended period of time and have an impact on your life. This could include obtaining old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your past struggles.
After your clinical assessment, you can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to investigate medication options. Most likely, this will be an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You may also opt to get your diagnosis done privately and then 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 will need an NHS referral and a thorough assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of obtaining medication through this route.