How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They will not diagnose you right away, but they will recommend a clinical assessment.
This will be done with a psychiatrist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate you for ADHD. They can also help you get DSA and other reasonable adjustments by making an assessment report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you need to do when you suspect that your child is suffering with ADHD is to visit your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you suffer from ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. It might be beneficial to write down some notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background and identifying any mental health issues you or your family members may have faced in the recent past. You may also be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
It's important to realise that it can be difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD since they've learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need to verify that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes of your issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you have difficulty getting an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private 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 scientific basis behind ADHD. However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A clinical diagnosis is needed to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant a right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might ask you to fill out the questionnaire which will be assessed by psychiatrists. They might also talk to other professionals who have known you - for example, health professionals or teachers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health conditions such as depression or thyroid issues to determine if they might be the cause of your symptoms.
After the evaluation the Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people who have ADHD. If you decide to go with medication Your Psychiatrist will send you back to your GP for shared care management.
If you do not want to take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This will aid in managing your symptoms and improve life skills. You might also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their daily lives. This could mean they are self-conscious and can be dissatisfied with their lack of success in work or in relationships. They may also feel that other people don't understand them and may become angry or bitter. However, there are many ways to receive support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is particularly important when you've been misdiagnosed or if you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety that can co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can assist you to understand what is happening to you and how it could be affecting your daily life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist thoroughly, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or obtain a GP referral or make an appointment in private with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you choose to go through the self-referral process it is recommended to gather any relevant information you might have before your appointment, as well as taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also request that copies of your medical records be provided to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, including how they interfere with your daily life and examining any comorbidities that may be present, such as depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a medical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they will then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy. It can also assist you to get disability assistance, such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments in college or at school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting on your life they'll refer you to a clinical assessment. This is usually a fairly thorough process that involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records, or speak to anyone who knew you well as when you were a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to manifest in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms from childhood.
You'll likely be offered the option to choose one of the providers after being advised. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental healthcare providers, as well as their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you can find information on how to utilize it on this page by ADHD UK.
You may be able to get an assessment from your university if you are an undergraduate student. If they are willing to do so the results 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 - therefore, you may need 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 also likely talk about your long-term goal and any other concerns that you may have. They'll then decide on what to do and refer you back to visit your GP. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to think about medication options 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 signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They may be biased against the diagnosis, or not consider the symptoms serious. This could make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, however perseverance can pay off.
You'll need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been present for some time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This could include obtaining old school reports, and asking family members to fill out forms about how you have suffered in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. This will usually involve a shared care agreement with your GP, where you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this route, you'll require a referral from NHS and a complete assessment of ADHD by a psychiatrist.