How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or a child may be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't diagnose you right away but they'll refer you to a medical assessment.
This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist who is located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They can also write a report that'll assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk with your doctor
The first thing to do should you or your child has a problem with ADHD is to see your GP. They will be able determine whether they think that you have ADHD and will refer you to a specialist if necessary. It may be beneficial to write down some notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family history and identifying any mental health issues that you or your family members may have experienced in the past. You may also be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about medication options.
It is important to realize that it can be difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD since they've learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will usually want to see evidence that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment - this typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out other reasons for your problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you are having difficulty finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in an assessment by a private doctor. There are a variety of providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not aware of the science of ADHD, but persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis is required to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They might also request to talk to other professionals who have worked with you, like healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for signs that match those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health issues like thyroid or depression to determine if they might be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss treatment options with you after the examination. This could include medication, which can be beneficial for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP for shared care management.
If you are not ready to take medication or take medication, you could ask your Psychiatrist to provide an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This will assist you in managing your symptoms and improve life skills. You may also find it useful to join a group for people with ADHD. They can be very supportive and reassuring.
Many people with ADHD discover that they must be more arduous than other people to live their daily lives. This can cause low self-esteem and anger about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel others don't understand them and become angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to get help. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are offered by many good organisations.
3. Get another opinion
For many, getting an opinion from a different doctor is extremely beneficial. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed, or if you have a medical condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can assist you to discover what's happening to you and how it could affect your daily routine.
It is important that you discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, since this can affect whether you meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this by self-referral or an GP referral or make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk choose to take the self-referral route, it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you might have before your appointment, as well as making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You may also request that the records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily life and assessing any comorbidities that might be present, such as depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a medical interview to establish a diagnosis which they'll follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the help you require including medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also allow you to access disability support such as Disabled Students' Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in college or at school.
4. Do a clinical examination
If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD, and that it is affecting your life in a significant way they will refer you to a medical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to look over your school records, or speak to someone who knew you as when you were a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to develop in adults, and they'll need to confirm your symptoms from childhood.
If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll most likely be given a choice of which healthcare provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you can find information on how to utilize it on this page from ADHD UK.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university when you are studying there. If they're happy to do this, then the results should be enough to access support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student' Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - so you may want to look into getting an individual diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine whether your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. He or she might suggest treatment with medication or other methods. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to see your GP. In most cases, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to think about taking medication. They may be able to refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They could also be biased towards a diagnosis, or simply not take the symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence pays off.
You'll need to undergo a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked why you believe that your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They'll be interested to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant impact on you. This may include getting old school records or asking your family members to fill out forms regarding your struggles in the past.
After your clinical evaluation You can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore different options for your medication. Usually, this will involve an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. You can also choose to have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you will require a referral from NHS and a complete assessment of ADHD by psychiatrist.