How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to diagnose you right away but they'll refer you to a medical assessment.
This is done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They can also write a report that'll help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you or your child has an issue with ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and will refer you to a specialist if necessary. It is advisable to bring a few notes along to the appointment.
Your GP will then send you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This process can take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking 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 might be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
It's important to realise that it can be a challenge for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD because they have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will typically require evidence to prove that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes of your issues, like depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may think about a private assessment. There are many options available on the Right to Choose site. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can be frustrating to be faced with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD however perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to receive Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may require you to fill out a questionnaire that will be reviewed by a psychiatrist. They might also request to talk to other professionals who have known you, for example, teachers or healthcare workers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that match those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health conditions like thyroid issues or depression to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
After the evaluation Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people who have ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend you to your GP to share care management.
If you do not want to take medication, you can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help to manage your symptoms and enhance your life abilities. You might also find it useful to join a group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be very supportive and comforting.
Many people suffering from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This could mean they lack self-esteem and can be dissatisfied with their lack of success in work or with relationships. They might also feel others don't understand them and can be angry or resentful. There are many ways to receive support. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. There are lots of good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get another opinion
For many, getting a second opinion is extremely beneficial. This is particularly important if you have been misdiagnosed, or if you have a condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can offer an accurate understanding of what you're experiencing and how it may be affecting your life.
It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, as this can affect whether you have the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this either by self-referring or getting a GP referral or you can make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you do decide to self-referral it is recommended to gather any information you might have before your appointment, as well as noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also request a copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to when you visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms. They will examine how they affect your daily activities, and look for any complications, like depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a clinical interview to establish a diagnosis which they will then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the help you require, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also assist you to access disability support such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's impacting your life and your family, they'll recommend an 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 review your school records, or talk to someone who knew you as when you were a child. This is because it's not thought that ADHD can develop in adults, and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms were present from childhood.
You'll likely have the option of choosing a provider once you've been recommended. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to utilize this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
If you're a student, you may be able to receive an assessment from your university. If they're happy to do this, then the report should be enough to qualify for assistance through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you might want to look into getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may suggest treatment or other options. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals, as well as any other concerns you might have. Then, they'll make a choice regarding what next and will send you back to your GP with a plan. In the majority of cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you'd like to look into medication options and a recommendation to your GP to make this happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They may also be biased towards an diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. This could make it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance pays off.
You will require an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to describe how you're experiencing symptoms and why you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They'll be interested to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant effect on you. This may include getting old school records or asking your family members to fill out forms regarding your struggles in the past.
After your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to explore medication options. Most likely, this will be an agreement for shared-care with your GP that allows you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You may also opt to get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis will not necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You will require an NHS referral and a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of getting medication through this method.