How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or a child may be suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you immediately, but they likely refer you to an assessment in the clinic.
This will take place with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They can also help you get DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you need to do should you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to visit your GP. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will be able to assess whether they believe you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. It may be helpful to bring a few notes with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of your ADHD symptoms. This procedure can take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history and any other mental health issues you or your family have been through in the past. You may be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you the options for medication.
Adults often mask their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will need to see proof that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This typically involves looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They'll also have to rule out any other causes for your difficulties like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal evaluation through one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be a bit difficult to deal with GPs who don't understand the science behind ADHD. But persistence is essential.
2. Ask for a reference
A clinical diagnosis is required in order to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may require you to fill out the questionnaire which will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They might also request to speak to other professionals that have known you, such as teachers or healthcare workers. They will be looking for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health issues like depression or thyroid issues to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
After the evaluation, your Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This might include medication, which can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend you to your GP to discuss care management.
If you do not want to take medication, you can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your life abilities. Joining a support group for people who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD need to be more efficient in their daily lives. This can cause low self-esteem, and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They may also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or resentful. There are many ways you can seek help. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are many good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion can be beneficial for a variety of people. This can be particularly important when you've been misdiagnosed or have a condition like anxiety or depression that may 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 because it could affect whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this either by self-referring or getting an GP referral or make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-refer, it's a good idea that you gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you experience and how they impact various aspects of your life. You may also request copies of your medical records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, looking at how they impact your daily functioning and examining any comorbidities that may be present, like depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are typically used to determine a diagnosis. This is then followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the help you require like medication or psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to obtaining disability assistance such as Disabled Student' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP believes that you have ADHD, and that it affects your life in a significant manner they will recommend a clinical assessment. It's usually a thorough process that involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to review your school records or talk to someone who knew you as a child. This is because ADHD isn't believed to develop in adults, and they will be required to confirm your symptoms from your childhood.
After you've been recommended for an assessment, you'll likely be given the option of which provider to see. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers and their local NHS trust. You can get useful information on how to use this tool from ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
If you're a student, you may be able to get an assessment through your university. If they are willing to provide it, their report is sufficient to receive help from reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining a private diagnose instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. He or she might recommend medication or other treatments. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you may have. They'll then decide what to do next and send you back to your GP. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you want to consider medication options and a referral back to your GP to make this happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They could be biased or not take the symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You will need an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain the reasons why you believe the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to ADHD. They will want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant impact on your. This could involve getting old school records or asking family to fill out forms about your past struggles.
After your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor if you would like to explore the possibility of taking medication. This usually involves a shared care agreement with your GP, where you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also opt to obtain your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication from pharmacies.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis may not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of obtaining medication via this route.