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 diagnose you right away however they will refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be done with the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They'll also write an assessment report to assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you should do when you suspect that your child is suffering with ADHD is to visit your GP. If they believe you have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. You may find it useful to take written notes to this appointment.
Your GP should then send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family history and identifying any mental health issues you or your family might have experienced in the recent past. You might also be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you medication options.
Adults often mask their symptoms, making it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing significant impairment - this is usually done by looking through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also have to rule out other causes for your difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may think about an assessment by a private doctor. There are a variety of providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who don't understand the scientific basis behind ADHD. But persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required in order to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide a right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely ask you to complete the questionnaire, which will be assessed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also ask you to speak to other professionals that have been around you, like healthcare professionals or teachers. They will be looking for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health issues, such as depression or thyroid problems might be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment with you following the evaluation. 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 you don't want to take medication You may ask your Psychiatrist an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This can help you manage your symptoms and improve your life abilities. Joining a support group of people who suffer from ADHD can be helpful. They can be very supportive and reassuring.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This can mean they are self-conscious and may be frustrated by their inability to succeed at work or with relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can get support. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For a lot of people, having a second opinion is extremely beneficial. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that could coexist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can assist you to understand what is happening to you and how it could be affecting your daily life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist, since this will determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can do this either by self-referring or obtaining a GP referral or make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If adult adhd diagnosis uk decide 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 experience and how they impact various aspects of your life. You may also request the records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily life and looking at any comorbidities that might be present, like anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to determine a diagnosis, which they will then follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need 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 in the college or school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant manner, they will refer you to a medical assessment. This is a thorough procedure that involves speaking with someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to review your school records or talk to someone who was familiar with you as a child. It's because ADHD isn't thought to manifest in adults, and they'll have to confirm the symptoms since your childhood.
You'll likely be given the option of choosing a provider once you've been referred. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can get useful information on how to utilize this tool from ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You might be able get an assessment from your school when you are an undergraduate student. If they are willing to do so, their report is sufficient to receive help from reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment, and may recommend treatments such as medication or other. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goal and any other concerns you may have. Then they'll make a decision about what to do next and will refer you back to your GP with a plan. In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to think about the possibility of medication and a recommendation to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how the condition manifests in adults. They could be biased or not take symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You'll need to go through a an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they could be related to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant effect on you. This could involve obtaining old school records and asking family to fill out forms detailing your past struggles.
After your assessment, you'll be able discuss whether you want to think about alternative medications. Most likely, this will be an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis may not necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a full examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication through this method.