How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They will not diagnose you immediately, but they will refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will take place with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report that will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you need to do should you or your child has a problem with ADHD is to see your GP. If they believe you have ADHD they will refer you to an expert if needed. You may find it useful to take written notes for this appointment.
Your GP should then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background, and asking about any mental health issues that you or your family may have faced in the recent past. You might be asked to complete a few questionnaires. adult adhd diagnosis uk will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you the options for medication.
Adults often hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will need to see proof that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This typically involves looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also have to rule out any other causes for your problems such as anxiety or depression.
If you are having difficulty 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 have to deal with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD, but persistence is key.
2. Request a recommendation
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to receive Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you a right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might request you to complete an assessment form that will be evaluated by a psychiatrist. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have worked with you, for example, healthcare professionals or teachers. They will be looking for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health conditions like depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss possible treatment options with you following the examination. This could include medications that can be beneficial for many people suffering 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 may suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will aid in managing your symptoms and improve life skills. Joining a support group for people suffering from ADHD can be helpful. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find they have to do more work than others to get through their day-to-day lives. This could mean they are self-conscious and can be dissatisfied with their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and may become angry or bitter. There are many ways to receive support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are many excellent organizations that provide these services.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a condition such as depression or anxiety that may 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 might be affecting your daily life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist thoroughly, as it can influence whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or obtain a GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you do decide to go through the self-referral process, it is a good idea to gather any relevant information you may have prior to your appointment, and also noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also ask for an official copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist before you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, examining how they impact your daily life and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, like anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are usually used to establish a diagnosis. This is then followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication. It can also open the doors to accessing disability support such as Disabled Student' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to school or college.
4. Do a clinical examination
If your GP believes that you may be suffering from ADHD, and that it is affecting your life in a significant manner then they'll recommend a clinical assessment. It's usually a extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to see your school records, or talk to anyone who knows you well as a child. It's because ADHD isn't thought to develop in adults, and they'll have to confirm the symptoms since the age of a child.
Once you've been referred for an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice of the provider you'd like to visit. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information about how to use this tool at ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
If you're a student, you might be able to be assessed by your university. If they are willing to provide it, their report will be enough to qualify for help from reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - so you may want to look into getting a private diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. The doctor might recommend medication or other treatments. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what following that and return you to your GP with plans. In most cases, a doctor 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
It can be difficult to obtain an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand how the condition presents in adults. They may be biased or not take symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence pays off.
You will require an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to describe how you're struggling with the symptoms and why you think they could be related to ADHD. They will be interested to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant effect on you. This could involve getting old school records or asking family to fill out forms regarding your issues in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you will be able to discuss whether you would like to look into alternative medication options. Typically, this will require a shared-care agreement with your GP that allows you to pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.