How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to diagnose you right away however they will recommend a clinical assessment.
This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They'll also write an assessment report that will aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Speak to your doctor
The first thing you should do should you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to visit your GP. They will be able to determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and will refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It might be beneficial to bring some written notes with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process will take 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history, and any other mental health issues you or your family members have been through in the past. You might be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
It is crucial to recognize that it can be a challenge for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to verify that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out other causes for your issues like anxiety or depression.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may be interested in an assessment by a private doctor. There are a number of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't understand the scientific basis behind ADHD. But perseverance is essential.
2. Request a recommendation
A clinical diagnosis is required in order to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might request you to complete an assessment form that will be assessed by a psychiatrist. They may also want to talk to other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also examine other health conditions such as depression or thyroid issues to see if they could explain your symptoms.
After the test the Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This might include medication that can be beneficial for many people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to discuss the management of your care.
If you do not want to take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can aid in managing your symptoms and develop the quality of your life. Joining a group of people with ADHD can be helpful. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people with ADHD must be more efficient in their lives. This can mean that they are self-conscious and can be frustrated by their lack of success in work or with relationships. They may also feel that other people don't understand them and can become angry or bitter. However, there are many ways to get support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get another opinion
For many, getting a second opinion can be extremely beneficial. This is especially true when you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can help you understand what is happening to you and how it could be impacting your daily life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail because it could affect whether you fit the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or request a GP referral or schedule an appointment privately with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you choose to go through the self-referral process it is recommended to gather any relevant information you have prior to your appointment, as well as taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different areas of your life. You may also request that copies of your medical records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily activities and examining any comorbidities that might be present, like depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to arrive at a diagnosis. The diagnosis is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the assistance you require, such as medication and psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to accessing disability-related assistance like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to the college or school.
4. Go for a clinical assessment
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's significantly affecting your life they'll refer you to an assessment in a clinical setting. This is a comprehensive process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records, or speak to anyone who knew you well as an infant. It's because ADHD is not believed to develop in adults, and they will have to confirm the symptoms from the age of a child.
Once you've been referred for an assessment you'll probably be given a choice of the provider you'd like to visit. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you can find information on how to make use of it on this page by ADHD UK.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your school if you are an undergraduate student. If they're willing to allow this, then the results should be enough to qualify for support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis won't be in a position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. Then they'll make a decision about what to do following that and send you back to your GP with a plan. In the majority of instances, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would prefer to take medication. They may also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the condition's presentation in adults. They may also be biased against the diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You'll need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to describe the reasons why you believe the symptoms you are experiencing could be due to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been present for an extended period of period of time and are having a significant impact on your life. This could mean getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in the forms detailing how you've suffered in the past.
After your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to investigate the possibility of taking medication. Usually, this will involve a shared-care agreement 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 the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You will require an NHS referral and a thorough evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication through this route.