How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child might have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately but they'll refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess your symptoms for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report that will assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you or your child has an issue with ADHD the first step is to see your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD they will refer you to an expert if needed. It may be helpful to take some written notes during this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, as well as any other mental health issues you or your family have been through in the past. You might be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you medication options.
It is important to realize that it can be a challenge for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD since they've developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will usually need evidence that your symptoms are causing significant impairment - this is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out any other possible causes for your issues, like 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 numerous services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are not aware of the science behind ADHD However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a reference
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely require you to fill out an assessment questionnaire. The results will be assessed by psychiatrists with specialist expertise. They might also request to speak to other professionals that have known you, like healthcare professionals or teachers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also examine other health conditions like depression or thyroid issues to see if they could explain your symptoms.
After the assessment the Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which is helpful for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share care management.
If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist may suggest an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This will assist you in managing your symptoms and improve life skills. Joining a group of people suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD need to work harder to get by in their lives. This can mean they lack self-esteem and can be frustrated by their lack of success in work or in relationships. They can also feel that others don't understand them and may become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are many good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get a second opinion
For a lot of people, having a second opinion is extremely beneficial. This is particularly important when you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a condition such as depression or anxiety which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can help you discover what's happening to you and how it could affect your daily routine.
It is important to discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist thoroughly in order to determine whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer, get a GP referral or make an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-referral it is a good idea to gather any information you have prior to your appointment, and also noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You can also request that the records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, including the ways they affect your daily functioning and assessing any comorbidities present, including anxiety or depression. They typically employ questionnaires and a clinical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they'll follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy. It also opens the doors to obtaining disability assistance like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments in school or college.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD, and that it is affecting your life in a significant manner, they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to examine your school records, or talk to anyone who knew you as a child. This is because ADHD isn't thought to manifest in adults, and they will need to confirm your symptoms since your childhood.
After you've been recommended for an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice 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. You can get useful information on how to utilize this tool at ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
You might be able get an assessment from your university when you are an undergraduate student. If they're willing to allow this, then the results will be sufficient to get support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student' Allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you - so you may want to seek a private 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 likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. Then, they'll make a choice regarding what next and refer 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 think about medications and a recommendation to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand how ADHD manifests in adults. They might be biased or not take symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You'll need to undergo a an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain why you believe that the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to ADHD. They'll be interested to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on you. This may include obtaining old school records and asking family to fill out forms about your struggles in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. This usually involves a shared care agreement with your GP, where you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral and a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication through this route.