How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you there and then but likely refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be conducted with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They will also assist you obtain DSA and make reasonable adjustments by making a report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you need to do should you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to see your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe that you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. You may find it useful to take written notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history and any other mental health problems you or your family have suffered from in the past. You might be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you fit the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you medication options.
It is important to realize that it can be difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need to see proof that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This typically involves looking through old school records or letters from family. They'll also need to rule out other reasons for your problems such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from 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 a hassle to be faced with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who don't know the science of ADHD However, perseverance is essential.
2. Ask for a reference
A clinical diagnosis is required in order to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines give you a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may request you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also ask you to talk to other professionals who have worked with you, for example, teachers or healthcare workers. They will search for signs that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health issues like thyroid issues or depression to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medications which could be beneficial for many people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you to your GP to share the care management.
If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist may suggest an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This will help you reduce your symptoms and increase your life abilities. It may also be useful to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people with ADHD need to struggle to make ends meet in their daily lives. This can mean they lack self-esteem and can be unhappy with their inability to succeed at the workplace or in relationships. They may also feel that other people don't understand them and can be angry or bitter. There are many ways to seek out assistance. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are a lot of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For adhd diagnosis uk adults of people, having a second opinion can be extremely beneficial. This is particularly important if you have been misdiagnosed, or you have a medical condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can provide an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it may be impacting your life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist as this will determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This can be done by self-referral or an GP referral or go private and book an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to take the self-referral route, it is recommended to gather any relevant information you might have before your appointment, and noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also request that the records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed assessment of your symptoms, including how they interfere with your daily activities and looking at any comorbidities present, including depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are usually used to determine a diagnosis. The diagnosis is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the assistance you require, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It could also open the doors to accessing disability-related assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments in the college or school.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
If your GP believes that you have ADHD, and that it affects your life in a significant way, they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves talking with someone (often psychiatrists) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to see your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you as a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to manifest in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms since your childhood.
If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll likely be given the option of the provider you'd like to visit. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers, and also their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to utilize this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
If you're a student you may be able to receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do this, then the results should be enough to qualify for support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medication, so you may think about obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine whether your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. He or she might suggest treatment with medication or other methods. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to your GP. In most cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you want to consider medication options and a referral back to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the condition's presentation in adults. They could be biased or not take symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You'll need to undergo a an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to describe how you're experiencing symptoms and the reason you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been going on for some period of time and are having an impact on your life. This could involve getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out reports on how you've suffered in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. Typically, this will require a shared-care agreement with your GP that allows you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral as well as a full examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of getting medication through this method.