How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or a child may have ADHD, the first step is to talk to your GP. They can't diagnose you immediately, but they will probably refer you for a clinical assessment.
This is done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They can also help you get DSA and make reasonable adjustments by making an assessment report.
1. Speak with your doctor
If you or your child has issues with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist in the event of need. You may find it useful to take written notes for this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and asking about your family history, as well as any other mental health issues you or your family have had in the past. You might be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify 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 you to rule out other possible causes for your problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you have difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal evaluation with one of the many providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who aren't aware of the science behind ADHD. But perseverance is the key to success.
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 grant the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP will likely require you to fill out an assessment questionnaire. The results will be assessed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also want to talk to other professionals who have been around you - such as health professionals or teachers. adhd uk diagnosis will look for signs that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also look at other health issues like thyroid or depression to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist might discuss the options for treatment with you following the examination. This could include medication, which is helpful for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist could suggest an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can aid in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. Joining a support group of people who suffer from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find they have to work harder than others to live their daily lives. This can lead to low self-esteem, and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or bitter. However, there are many ways to receive help. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are provided by many good organisations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion can be helpful for many people. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a medical condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can assist you to determine what's happening to you and how it could be impacting your daily life.
It is essential to discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, as this can affect whether you are able to meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this either by self-referral or an GP referral or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to take the self-referral route it is recommended to gather any information you might have before your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different aspects of your life. You may also request an official 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 examine how they affect your daily functioning, and look for any co-morbidities, such as depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are typically used to arrive at an assessment. This is followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the help you require to manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication. It could also open the door to accessing disability-related assistance, such as Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments in college or at school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant way they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a thorough process that involves talking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to see your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as a child. This is because it's believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely be offered the choice of selecting the provider after you've been recommended. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to use it on this page from ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able be assessed by your university. If they're happy to do this, then the report should be enough to access support through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medication, so you might want to consider getting a private diagnose instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may suggest treatments such as medication or other. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide on what to do next and send you back to visit your GP. In most cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to think about medication options and a recommendation to your GP to make this happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They may also be biased against a diagnosis, or simply not take the symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence pays off.
You'll need a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to describe how you're struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will be interested in knowing that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant effect on your. This may include finding old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your past struggles.
Following your clinical evaluation After your evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to explore the possibility of taking medication. Most likely, this will be an agreement to share care with your GP that allows you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at a pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). For medication to be obtained through this route, you will need a referral from the NHS and a full assessment of ADHD by a psychiatrist.