How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Consult your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to diagnose you immediately however they will recommend a clinical assessment.
This will be conducted with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They can also write an assessment report that will assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you need to do when you suspect that your child is suffering with ADHD is to consult your GP. If they believe you have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert. It might be beneficial to bring some notes in writing with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history and any other mental health issues you or your family have been through in the past. You might also be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you medication options.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk to realise that it is difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need to verify that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They will also need to rule out other causes for your issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation with one of the numerous services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who don't know the science behind ADHD However, perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might require you to fill out a questionnaire that will be evaluated by a psychiatrist. They might also talk to other professionals who have been around you - for example, teachers or health workers. They will search for signs that are similar to ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health issues like thyroid or depression to see if they could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist might discuss possible treatment options with you following the assessment. This could include medication, which is useful for many who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP for shared care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist can recommend an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can aid in managing your symptoms and improve life skills. You might also find it useful to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be extremely supportive and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find that they need to work harder than others to live their daily lives. This can cause low self-esteem, and frustration about 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 resentful. There are many ways you can seek help. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. There are lots of excellent organizations that provide these services.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can help you discover what's happening to you and how it might be affecting your daily life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in detail, as it can influence whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or get an GP referral or make an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, note down about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect various aspects of your life. You can also request a copy of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist before you visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms. They will look at the way they impact your daily life and will look for comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are usually used to arrive at an assessment. This is then followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the assistance you require including medication and psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It could also open the door to accessing disability support, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to the college or school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's significantly affecting your life they'll refer you to an assessment. This is typically a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to look over your school records or talk to someone who knew you as when you were a child. It's because ADHD isn't thought to develop in adults, and they'll have to confirm the symptoms from childhood.
If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll most likely be given a choice of which healthcare provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental healthcare providers, as well as their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to utilize it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you might be able be assessed by your university. If they're happy to do this, then their report will be sufficient to get assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you - therefore, you may need to look into getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest medication or other therapies. 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 plans. In the majority of instances, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to think about taking medication. They may be able to refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It isn't easy to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They could also be biased towards an diagnosis, or not consider the symptoms serious. This makes it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance pays off.
You'll need to go through a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to describe how you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been recurring for some time and have an impact on your life. This could involve getting old school records or asking your family members to fill out forms about your struggles in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able decide if you would like to think about alternative medications. Typically, this will require an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also choose to get your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not 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 assessment of ADHD by a psychiatrist.