How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't diagnose you right away but they'll refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be done with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They can also write an assessment report that will assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing to do when you suspect that your child has a problem with ADHD is to consult your GP. They will be able to determine whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. You may find it useful to take written notes during this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. adhd in adults undiagnosed involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history, and asking about any mental health issues you or your family may have had in the recent past. You might be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you medication options.
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 usually require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment - this is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out other reasons for your issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in an assessment by a private doctor. There are a variety of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be a hassle to be faced with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not aware of the science of ADHD, but perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a reference
A clinical diagnosis is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may require you to fill out the questionnaire which will be reviewed by a psychiatrist. They may also ask to speak to other professionals that have worked with you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also consider whether other health conditions like depression or thyroid problems might be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss treatment options with you after the evaluation. This could include medication, which is useful for many with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend you to your GP to discuss the care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist can suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and enhance your the quality of your life. Joining a support group of people with ADHD can be helpful. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people suffering from ADHD have to struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This can mean they are self-conscious and can be dissatisfied with their inability to succeed at work or in relationships. They might also feel that others don't understand their situation and may become angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by many good organisations.
3. Get another opinion
For many people, getting an opinion from a different doctor can be very helpful. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or have a condition like anxiety or depression that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can help you determine what's happening to you and how it may be affecting your daily life.
It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist as this can affect whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer or request a GP referral or book an appointment privately with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you opt to self-refer it's best to gather any documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect various aspects of your daily life. You may also request that copies of your medical documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms. They will assess how they affect your daily activities, and look for any comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to arrive at the diagnosis. This is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the support you need including medication and psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to obtaining disability assistance like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
If your GP believes that you may be suffering from ADHD, and that it is affecting your life in a significant manner, they will refer you to a medical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They might also want to look over your school records or talk to someone who knew you as when you were a child. It's because ADHD isn't thought to develop in adults, and they'll need to confirm your symptoms from childhood.
After you've been recommended for an assessment you'll probably be given the option of the provider you'd like to visit. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you can find information on how to make use of it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do this, then the results will be sufficient to get assistance through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, so you may want to look into getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine whether your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. They might suggest medications or other treatments. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to your GP. In most instances doctors will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to consider medication. They might also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They may also be biased against the diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. This could make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance can pay off.
You'll need an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to describe the reasons why you believe the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been going on for some time and have an impact on your life. This could include collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in the forms detailing how you've struggled in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to look into alternative medication options. Most likely, this will be an agreement for shared-care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also choose to get 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'll need an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication through this route.