How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD, the first step is to talk to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you immediately, but they will likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will be done with a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They can also write an assessment report to assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you or your child has an issue with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to consult your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert, if required. It might be beneficial to bring some notes in writing with you to the appointment.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take 45 to 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and asking about your family history and any other mental health problems you or your family have been through in the past. You might be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family. They'll also want to rule out any other causes for your issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who aren't aware of the scientific basis behind ADHD. But persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A clinical diagnosis is needed to qualify for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may require you to fill out an assessment form that will be evaluated by a psychiatrist. They may also ask to speak to other professionals that have worked with you, for example, teachers or healthcare workers. They will search for signs that are similar to ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also investigate whether other health issues like depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist might discuss treatment options with you after the assessment. This might include medication which could be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication Your Psychiatrist will send you to your GP for shared care management.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you for an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can help to manage your symptoms and enhance your life skills. Joining a support group for people suffering from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people with ADHD discover that they must be more arduous than other people to get through their day-to-day lives. This can mean that they are self-conscious and can be unhappy with their lack of success in work or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't understand their situation and feel angry or bitter. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
For many people, getting an opinion from a different doctor is extremely beneficial. This is particularly important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or if you have a condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can offer a clear understanding of what you are going through and how it could be impacting your life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in depth, as it can influence whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this either by self-referral or a GP referral or go private and book an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you choose to take the self-referral route, it is a good idea to gather any relevant information you might have before your appointment, and also noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different areas of your life. You can also ask for a copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist before you visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, looking at how they impact your daily activities and examining any comorbidities that might be present, including anxiety or depression. They will typically use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to determine a diagnosis, which they will then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also assist you to get disability assistance, such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting your life, they'll refer you for an assessment. It's usually a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to look over your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as an infant. This is because ADHD is not thought to develop in adults, and they will be required to confirm your symptoms since your childhood.
If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll likely be given a choice of which provider to see. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can get useful information on how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university in case you're an undergraduate student. If they're willing to do so the results will be enough to qualify for assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They won't be in a position to prescribe medications, so you might be able to get an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend treatment or other options. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals, as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll then make a decision on what to do next and return you to your GP with a plan. In the majority of instances, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to think about taking medication. They may be able to refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of the condition's presentation in adults. They could be biased or do not take symptoms seriously. This can make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance will pay off.
You will require a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to describe how you are struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they could 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 could include obtaining old school records and asking family members to fill in forms detailing your past struggles.
Following your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to investigate the possibility of taking medication. This will usually involve an agreement to share care with your GP which will allow 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 worth noting that a private diagnosis will not necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll require an NHS referral and a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of receiving medication via this route.