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 an assessment in the clinic.
This is done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They will also assist you get DSA and other reasonable adjustments by making an assessment report.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you or your child is suffering from issues with ADHD, the first step is to see your GP. They will be able determine whether they think that you suffer from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It might be beneficial to bring some written notes along to the appointment.
Your GP should then send you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as asking about your family history and any other mental health problems you or your family have had in the past. You may be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about medication options.
Adults often mask their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically require evidence to prove that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you are having difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal evaluation through one of the many services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating 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 to receive Disability Living Allowance and other reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide a right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely require you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They might also talk to other professionals who have known you - for example, health professionals or teachers. They will be looking for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present since childhood. They will also look into whether other health conditions, such as thyroid issues or depression may be causing your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which is helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend you to your GP to share the care management.
If you don't want to take medication You can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. It may also be useful to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring.
Many people with ADHD have to struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This can mean they are self-conscious and can feel unhappy with their inability to succeed at work or in relationships. They might also feel that people don't understand their situation and become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can get support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
For many, getting a second opinion is extremely beneficial. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed, or if you have a condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can help you discover what's happening to you and how it may be affecting your daily life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in depth, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. This can be done by self-referral or a GP referral or make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you do decide to go through the self-referral process, it is recommended to gather any supporting information you might have before 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 ask for a copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist before you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough assessment of your symptoms. They will assess the way they impact your daily activities, and look for any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to establish an assessment. The diagnosis is followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the assistance you require, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It could also open the doors to obtaining disability assistance such as Disabled Student allowance or reasonable adjustments in the college or school.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
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 for a clinical assessment. It's usually a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to examine your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you well as when you were a child. This is because ADHD isn't thought to develop in adults, and they'll have to confirm the symptoms since your childhood.
You'll likely have the option of choosing the provider after you've been recommended. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health 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 make use of it on this page from ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able to be assessed by your university. If they're 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, so you may want to seek an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest treatments such as medication or other. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to see your GP. In most cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you want to consider medications and a referral to your GP to make this happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They might be biased or don't take symptoms seriously. This makes it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance can pay off.
You will require a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain why you believe that your symptoms could be due to ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been recurring for a long time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This could involve getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out the forms detailing how you've been struggling in the past.
Following diagnosed with adhd , you'll be able to discuss whether you want to consider medication options. This is usually an agreement to share care with your GP and you will pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from 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 will require a referral from the NHS and a complete evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.