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 won't diagnose you immediately but they'll refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be with an audiologist (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test your symptoms for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report that will aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child have issues with ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert, if required. It might be beneficial to write down some notes during this appointment.
Your GP should then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of your ADHD symptoms. The process should take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background, and asking about any mental health issues that you or your family may have had in the recent past. You might also be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
It's important to realise that it can be a challenge for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will typically want to see evidence that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out any other causes for your problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in 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 aren't aware of the science behind ADHD. However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A clinical diagnosis is needed to qualify for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP will likely ask you to complete the questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also talk to other professionals who have worked with you - such as health professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health conditions like thyroid or depression, could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss possible treatment options with you following the evaluation. This could include medication, which is useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you don't want to take medication You can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help to manage your symptoms and improve your life skills. You may also find it useful to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD must work harder to get by in their daily lives. This can mean they are self-conscious and can be dissatisfied with their lack of success at work or in relationships. They may also feel that they aren't understood by others and may become angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can seek help. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are lots of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a lot of people. This is particularly important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed or if you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety that can co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health issues and can give you an accurate understanding of what you're experiencing and how it could be impacting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth because it could affect whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or get an GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you do decide to take the self-referral route it is a good idea to gather any relevant information you have prior to your appointment, as well as taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on various aspects 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 can provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, including how they impact your daily life and examining any comorbidities that might be present, like depression or anxiety. They typically employ questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to determine a diagnosis, which they then follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the support you need to manage your symptoms, which includes medication and psychotherapy. It can also assist you to get disability assistance, such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments in the college or school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP is of the opinion that you could have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting on your life they'll refer you to an assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to look over your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you well as when you were a child. This is because ADHD isn't believed to develop in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms since your childhood.
You'll likely have the option of choosing the provider after you've been advised. 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 called Right to Choose.
If you're a student, you might be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to allow this, then their report will be sufficient to get assistance through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you may need to consider obtaining an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing 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. Then they'll make a decision regarding what following that and return you to your GP with a plan. In most cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to look into medication options and a referral back to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk , particularly in the NHS are not aware of the condition's presentation in adults. They may be biased or not consider symptoms as serious. This makes it harder to obtain a diagnosis, however perseverance pays off.
You'll need to go through a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to describe the reasons why you believe the symptoms you are experiencing could be due to ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been present for a long time and are having a significant impact on your life. This may include getting old school records or asking family to fill out forms regarding your struggles in the past.
After your clinical assessment You can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore medication options. Usually, this will involve a shared-care agreement with your GP that allows you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You may also opt to make your diagnosis privately and then purchase the medication from the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll require an NHS referral and a thorough assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication through this route.