How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Speak to your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to diagnose you right away, but they will refer you to a medical 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 assist you to receive DSA and other reasonable adjustments by making an assessment report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you should do if you or your child has a problem with ADHD is to see your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD they will refer you to an expert, if required. You may find it useful to take written notes for this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your ADHD symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults Iam Psychiatry is a process that will take 45 to 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history and any other mental health issues you or your family members suffered from in the past. You might also be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will need to verify that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This typically involves looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out other reasons for your problems such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private assessment with one of the many services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who don't know the science behind ADHD. But perseverance is key.
2. Ask for a reference
A medical diagnosis is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you a right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may ask you to fill out the questionnaire which will be evaluated by a psychiatrist. They may also ask you to speak to other professionals that have known you, such as teachers or healthcare workers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to ADHD in adults and have been present since the age of. They will also examine other health issues like depression or thyroid issues to see if they could be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss possible treatment options with you following the examination. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share care management.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you for an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and enhance your the quality of your life. You might also find it useful to join a group for people with ADHD. They can be very helpful and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that they must do more work than others to get through their day-to-day lives. This can lead to low self-esteem, and frustration about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't understand their situation and may become angry or bitter. There are many ways to seek out support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are offered by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For many, getting an additional opinion can be very helpful. This is especially true in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or have a condition like depression or anxiety that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders and can give you an understanding of the issues you are going through and how it may be impacting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist thoroughly, as it can influence whether you fit the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or get a GP referral or make an appointment privately with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you decide to take the self-referral route, it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you have prior to your appointment, and also making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different areas of your life. You can also request that copies of your medical records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, examining how they impact your daily life and examining any comorbidities that may be present, including depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to establish an assessment. This is then followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the help you require, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also assist you to access support for disabled people, like Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at school or college.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant manner 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 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 develop in adults, and they will be required to confirm your symptoms from childhood.
Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll most likely be given the option of the provider you'd like to visit. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental health providers and their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to use it on this webpage from ADHD UK.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university if you are a student. If they are willing to do so the report will be enough to qualify for support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medication, so you may be able to get a private diagnose instead.
Your doctor will determine if 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, as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll then make a decision about what to do next and will refer you back to your GP with an action plan. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to think about medications and a recommendation to your GP to make this happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They might be biased or not take symptoms seriously. This could make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance pays off.
You will need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to explain how you're struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant impact on you. This may include finding old school records and asking family to fill out forms about your issues in the past.
After your assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to look into alternative medication options. This is usually a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll require an NHS referral and a full examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication through this method.