How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to diagnose you right immediately, but they will likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will be conducted with the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They can also assist you to get DSA and make reasonable adjustments by making reports.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child have issues with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to visit your GP. If they suspect that you suffer from ADHD, they will refer you to an expert. It is advisable to bring some notes in writing with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. The process should take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves checking the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history, and asking about any mental health issues you or your family may have experienced in the past. You may also be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
It is crucial to recognize that it can be a challenge for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to see proof that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also have to rule out other reasons for your problems like depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the numerous providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who don't know the science of ADHD However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A clinical diagnosis is needed to receive Disability Living Allowance and other reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines give you a right to request a 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 might also request to speak to other professionals that have been around you, like healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health conditions like thyroid issues or depression might be the cause of your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include medication, which is helpful for many people who have ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you back to your GP to manage shared care.
If you don't want to take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help you manage your symptoms and develop life skills. Joining a group of people with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and reassuring.
Many people with ADHD find that they need to do more work than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This could mean they are self-conscious and can feel dissatisfied with their inability to succeed at the workplace or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand their situation and become angry or bitter. However, there are many ways to seek out assistance. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. These services are offered by many good organisations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion can be helpful for many people. This is especially true if you've been misdiagnosed or have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that could coexist with ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults are experts in the diagnosis of mental health disorders and can provide an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it could be affecting your life.
It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, as it can impact whether you have the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can either self-refer or request an GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-referral, it is a good idea to gather any 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 may also request copies of your medical documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily activities and assessing any comorbidities that might be present, like depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are typically used to arrive at the diagnosis. This is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the help you require including medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to obtaining disability assistance such as Disabled Student allowance or reasonable adjustments in the college or school.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
If your GP is of the opinion that you could have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting your life, they'll refer you for an assessment in a clinical setting. This is a comprehensive process that involves speaking to someone (often psychiatrists) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records or talk to anyone who knew you as a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to develop in adults, and they will need to confirm your symptoms from your childhood.
After you've been recommended for an assessment, you'll likely be given the option of which healthcare provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare 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 from ADHD UK.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university in case you're studying there. If they're willing to allow this, then the report will be sufficient to get support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, so you may want to seek a private diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if 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 goals as well as 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 a plan. In the majority of instances, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to think about taking medication. They may be able to refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They may be biased or do not take the symptoms seriously. This makes it more difficult to get a diagnosis, but persistence pays off.
You'll need to go through a an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain the reasons why you believe your symptoms could be due to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant effect on you. This could include getting old school records or asking family members to fill in forms detailing your past struggles.
After your clinical assessment you will be able to discuss whether you would like to consider medication options. This is usually a shared care agreement with your GP and you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from pharmacies.
A private diagnosis won't suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication through this route.