How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They won't diagnose you right away but they'll recommend a clinical assessment.
This will take place with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate 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 have a problem with ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able to determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. You may find it helpful to take some written notes for this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves checking the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background and identifying any mental health issues that you or your family members may have faced in the recent past. You might be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you the options for medication.
It is crucial to recognize that it can be difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to verify that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. how to get an adhd diagnosis involves looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They will also need to rule out any other causes for your problems such as anxiety or depression.
If you are having difficulty finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in an individual assessment. There are a number of options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be a hassle to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD However, perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a reference
A medical diagnosis is required to receive Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may ask you to complete a questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists with specialist expertise. They might also talk to other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or health workers. They will search for signs that are similar to ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health conditions like depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medications that can be beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to discuss the care management.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist could suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and enhance your life skills. Joining a group of people suffering from ADHD can be helpful. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD must be more efficient in their lives. This can lead to low self-esteem and anger with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They can also feel that other people don't understand them and be angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This can be particularly important if you've been misdiagnosed or have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that may coexist with ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can assist you to understand what is happening to you and how it could be impacting your daily life.
It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, since it can impact whether you are able to meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. This can be done by self-referral or an GP referral or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to take the self-referral route it is recommended to gather any information you may have prior to your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different areas of your life. You may also request copies of your medical records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily activities and assessing any comorbidities that may be present, like anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to establish a diagnosis which they'll follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the help you require like medication or psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to accessing disability-related assistance such as Disabled Student allowance or reasonable adjustments at school or college.
4. Do a clinical examination
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. It's usually a extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to examine your school records or to talk to anyone who knew you well as when you were 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 were present from childhood.
After you've been recommended for an assessment, you'll likely be given a choice of which healthcare provider to see. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can get useful information on how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
If you're a student you may be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to allow this, then the report will be sufficient to get assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, so you may want to seek an individual diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest medication or other therapies. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you may have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what next and refer you back to your GP with an action plan. In the majority of cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to think about medication options and a referral to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to obtain an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS, lack understanding of how the condition presents in adults. They may also be biased towards the diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. This makes it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance can pay off.
You will require an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain why you believe that the symptoms you are experiencing might be related to ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been recurring for a long time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This could include obtaining old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms regarding your struggles in the past.
Following your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to investigate different options for your medication. This will usually involve a shared care agreement with your GP, where you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also choose to have your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from the 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 require an NHS referral and a thorough assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication via this route.