How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Consult your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They can't diagnose you there and then but likely refer you to an assessment in the clinic.
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 reasonable adjustments by making an assessment report.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you or your child is suffering from an issue with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to see your GP. If they believe you have ADHD they will refer you to an expert if needed. It may be helpful to bring some notes in writing with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This procedure can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as asking about your family history, as well as any other mental health problems you or your family members had in the past. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
It is crucial to recognize that it is difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD because they have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to verify that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. adhd adult diagnosis uk is usually done by looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They will also need you to rule out any other causes for your symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
If you have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation through one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be a bit difficult to deal with GPs who don't understand the science behind ADHD. But persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis is required to qualify for 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 GP will likely ask you to complete the questionnaire, which will be assessed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They might also request to talk to other professionals who have known you, for example, healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health issues like thyroid or depression may be causing your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss possible treatment options with you following the assessment. This could include medication, which can be useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to go with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP for shared care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your life abilities. It may also be useful to join a group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their daily lives. This could mean they have low self-esteem and can feel frustrated by their inability to succeed at work or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't understand their situation and feel angry or resentful. There are many ways to seek out assistance. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. These services are offered by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For a lot of people, having a second opinion can be very helpful. This is especially true if you've been misdiagnosed or have a medical condition like depression or anxiety that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health issues and can give you a clear understanding of what you're experiencing and how it may be impacting your life.
It is essential to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, since this will determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this either by self-referring or getting an GP referral, or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to take the self-referral route, it is a good idea to gather any information you might have before your appointment, as well as taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You may also request a copy of your records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, including how they impact your daily activities and examining any comorbidities that may be present, like anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are typically used to determine an assessment. This is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the help you require, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also allow you to get disability assistance, like Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at school or college.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP is of the opinion that you could have ADHD and that it's impacting your life and your family, they'll recommend a clinical assessment. This is typically a thorough process that involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to see your school records, or speak to someone who knew you as when you were a child. This is due to the fact that it's not believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
Once you've been referred for an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice of which provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can find useful information about how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You may be able to get an assessment from your school in case you're studying there. If they're willing to do this, then their report should be enough to qualify for assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students Allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medication, so you may want to consider getting a private diagnose instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine if your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. They may recommend treatment with medication or other methods. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what following that and refer you back to your GP with a plan. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to look into 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, especially in the NHS do not understand how ADHD manifests in adults. They may be biased or not take symptoms seriously. This makes it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, but persistence will pay off.
You'll need to undergo a an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these healthcare experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked your reasons for believing that your symptoms could be due to ADHD. They will be interested in knowing that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant effect on you. This may include getting old school records or asking your family members to fill out forms about your struggles in the past.
After your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore different options for your medication. Usually, this will involve an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. You may also opt to make your diagnosis privately and then purchase the medication from pharmacies.
A private diagnosis won't suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of getting medication through this route.