How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can't diagnose you there and then but will probably refer you for an assessment in the clinic.
This is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist 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 a problem with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the first step is to consult your GP. If they believe you have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert. It is advisable to bring some notes in writing with you to the appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. The process should take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family history, and asking about any mental health issues you or your family may have had in the past. You may be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically need evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment. This typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out any other causes for your problems such as depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private assessment through one of the many services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who don't know the science behind ADHD However, 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 give you the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may require you to fill out the questionnaire which will be assessed by psychiatrists. They might also request to talk to other professionals who have known you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present from childhood. They will also consider whether other health issues, such as thyroid issues or depression might be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment with you following the examination. This might include medication, which can be helpful for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication Your Psychiatrist will send you back to your GP for shared care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help to reduce your symptoms and increase your life abilities. Joining a support group for people suffering from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that they must work harder than others to get through their day-to-day lives. This can cause low self-esteem, and frustration with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't understand their situation and feel angry or resentful. There are many ways you can seek support. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion can be beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed or have a medical condition like depression or anxiety that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can assist you to understand what is happening to you and how it might affect your daily routine.
It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, as this will determine if you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer, obtain an GP referral or schedule an appointment in private with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you do decide to take the self-referral route it is recommended to gather any supporting information you may have prior to your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You can also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms. They will assess how they affect your daily life and will look for co-morbidities, such as depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are usually used to determine a diagnosis. This is then followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the help you require including medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to obtaining disability assistance such as Disabled Student' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to school or college.
4. Have a medical evaluation
If your GP believes that you have ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant manner they will refer you to a medical assessment. It's usually a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to see your school records or to talk to anyone who knew you well as when you were a child. This is because ADHD isn't thought to manifest in adults, and they will be required to confirm your symptoms from childhood.
You'll likely be offered the option of choosing the provider after you've been advised. 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 will find useful information on how to use it on this page by ADHD UK.
You might be able get an assessment from your school if you are an undergraduate student. If they're happy to do this, then the report should be enough to access support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - therefore, you may need to seek an individual diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine whether your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. He or she may recommend medications or other treatments. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns that you might have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what following that and send you back to your GP with a plan. In the majority of instances doctors will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to consider medication. They might be able to refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might be biased or don't consider symptoms as serious. This can make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance pays off.
You will need to have a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain how you're experiencing symptoms and the reason you believe they could be related to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant impact on you. This may include obtaining old school records and asking family to fill out forms regarding your struggles in the past.
After your clinical evaluation You can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to explore medication options. This usually involves an agreement to share care with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. Alternatively, adult diagnosis of adhd can choose to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through pharmacies.
A private diagnosis will not be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.