How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They can't diagnose you immediately, but they likely refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be done with a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They'll also write an assessment report to aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your doctor
The first thing you need to do when you suspect that your child suffers with ADHD is to consult your GP. If they suspect that you suffer from ADHD and they recommend you to an expert if needed. It is advisable to bring some notes in writing along to the appointment.
Your GP should then send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family history and identifying any mental health issues that you or your family may have faced in the recent past. You may be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
It's important 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 establish that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done through old school records or letters from family. They will also need to rule out any other causes for your issues, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may think about an individual assessment. There are many providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD however perseverance is the key to success.
2. Request a recommendation
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you a right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may ask you to fill out the questionnaire which will be assessed by a psychiatrist. They may also speak to other professionals who have worked with you, such as teachers or health workers. They will be looking for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health issues, such as depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
After the test Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which can be useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share care management.
If you are not ready to take medication or take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This can aid in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. You might also find it beneficial to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people suffering from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their daily lives. This can mean that they lack self-esteem and may be unhappy with their lack of success in work or with relationships. They might also feel people don't understand their situation and become angry or resentful. There are many ways to seek out support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are many organizations that provide these services.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially important if you have been misdiagnosed, or you have a condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders and can offer an understanding of the issues you're experiencing and how it is affecting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth because it could affect whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or request an GP referral or schedule an appointment privately with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you do decide to go through the self-referral process, it is recommended to gather any supporting information you might have before your appointment, and also making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different aspects of your life. You can also request a copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to when you meet with them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, including how they interfere with your daily life and looking at any comorbidities that might be present, like anxiety or depression. They typically employ questionnaires and a medical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they will then follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the help you require, such as medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It can also help you get disability assistance, like Disabled Student's Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in school or college.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's impacting on your life and your family, they'll recommend an assessment in a clinical setting. This is a lengthy process that involves talking with someone (often psychiatrists) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also want to review your school records or talk to someone who knew you 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 since the age of a child.
You'll likely be offered the option to choose the provider after you've been advised. Patients in England have the legal right to select their mental healthcare providers, as well as their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you can find information on how to use it on this page from ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you might be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to allow this, then the report should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medication, so you might think about obtaining an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment, and may recommend treatments such as medication or other. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you may have. Then they'll make a decision on what to do next and send you back to your GP with plans. In the majority of instances, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to think about taking medication. They may also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how the condition manifests in adults. They could be biased or don't consider symptoms as serious. This could make it harder to obtain an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance will pay off.
You'll need to go through a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to describe how you are struggling with the symptoms and why you think they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been recurring for an extended period of period of time and are having a significant impact on your life. This could include getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out forms about how you have been struggling in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able to discuss whether you want to consider medication options. undiagnosed adult adhd is usually a shared care agreement with your GP, where you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through a pharmacy.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis will not necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral as well as a full examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication through this route.