How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child could have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately, but they will refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be done with a psychiatrist (or psychologist who is located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They can also write an assessment report to help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child is suffering from a problem with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the first step is to visit your GP. If they believe you have ADHD they will refer you to an expert, if required. It might be beneficial to bring a few notes along to the appointment.
Your GP will then send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This procedure will take 45 to 90 minutes. It involves 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 have been through in the past. You may be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically need evidence that the symptoms are causing you 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 issues such as anxiety or depression.
If you have difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal evaluation with one of the numerous providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult to be faced with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis is required to qualify for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might request you to complete a questionnaire that will be evaluated by a psychiatrist. They might also talk to other professionals who have known you - such as teachers or health workers. They will search for signs that match those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also look at other health conditions like depression or thyroid issues to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to share the care management.
If you don't want to take medication You can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This will assist you in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. You may also find it beneficial to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be very supportive and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find they have to do more work than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This could mean they have low self-esteem and can be frustrated by their inability to succeed at work or with relationships. They might also feel people don't understand their situation and may become angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can seek help. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by many good organisations.
3. Get a second opinion
For many people, getting a second opinion can be very helpful. This can be particularly important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that may be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can offer an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it could be impacting your life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist, as this can affect whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer, get an GP referral or make an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-refer it's recommended that you gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect different areas of your daily life. You can also request copies of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist before you meet with them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms. They will look at the way they impact your daily activities and will look for comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to determine the diagnosis. This is then followed up by a letter. adhd uk diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the assistance you require including medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It also opens the doors to obtaining disability assistance, such as Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant manner they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves talking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records, or talk to anyone who knows you well as a child. This is because it's believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults, and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely have the choice of selecting a provider once you've been advised. Patients in England have the legal right to select their mental healthcare providers and also their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to use this tool from ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university in case you're an undergraduate student. If they're willing to allow this, then their report should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student allowance. They won't be in the position to prescribe medication, so you might think about obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns that you may have. They'll decide on what to do and send you back to your GP. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you want to consider medication options and a referral back to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the condition's presentation in adults. They could be biased or not take symptoms seriously. This makes it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance will pay off.
You will need to have an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these healthcare experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked the reasons why you believe your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They'll be interested in knowing that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on your. This may include finding old school records and asking family members to fill in forms detailing your past struggles.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. Usually, this will involve a shared-care agreement with your GP where you pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis may not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of getting medication via this route.