How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child could be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They can't diagnose you there and then but will likely refer you to a clinical assessment.
This is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They can also assist you to obtain DSA and other reasonable adjustments by writing a report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing to do if you or your child suffers with ADHD is to see your GP. If they believe you have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert if needed. It might be helpful to take some written notes during this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family background and also asking about any mental health issues that you or your family members may have faced in the recent past. You might be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This typically involves looking through old school records or letters from family. They'll also need to rule out any other causes for your issues such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may want to consider an assessment by a private doctor. There are a variety of providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be a hassle to be faced with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD however perseverance is essential.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may require you to fill out a questionnaire that will be assessed by psychiatrists. They may also consult with other professionals who have worked with you - such as teachers or health workers. They will look for signs that match those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also look at other health conditions such as depression or thyroid issues to determine if they might explain your symptoms.
After the assessment Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about treatment options. This might include medication which could be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share the care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you for an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. It may also be useful to join a group for people with ADHD. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD find that they need to work harder than others to live their daily lives. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk could mean they lack self-esteem and can feel frustrated by their inability to succeed at work or with relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand them and be angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are lots of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get another 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 suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can give you a clear understanding of what you're going through and how it could be affecting your life.
You should discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in detail because it could affect whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this either by self-referral or a GP referral or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-refer it's best to gather any documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, note down about the symptoms you experience and how they impact different areas of your daily life. You can also request a copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to when you visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, looking at how they impact your daily life and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, including anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are usually used to determine an assessment. This is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the support you need to manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication. It can also allow you to access disability support such as Disabled Student's Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in the college or school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant way they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to examine your school records, or speak to anyone who knew you as a child. This is due to the fact that it's not 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 one of the providers after being referred. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can find useful information on how to use this tool from ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You might be able get an assessment from your university when you are studying there. If they are willing to do so, their report will be enough to qualify for support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - therefore, you may need to look into getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest treatments such as medication or other. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. Then, they'll make a choice regarding what next and send you back to your GP with an action plan. In the majority of cases, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would prefer to take medication. They might also refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of how the condition manifests in adults. They might also be biased against the diagnosis, or not consider the symptoms serious. This could make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance pays off.
You'll need to undergo a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and why you think they might be caused by ADHD. They'll be interested in knowing that your symptoms will last and have a significant effect on you. This could mean collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've been struggling in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you will be able to decide if you would like to look into alternative medication options. 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 opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through pharmacies.
A private diagnosis will not suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you'll require a referral from NHS and a complete evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.