How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Consult your GP if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They will not diagnose you right away, but they will recommend a clinical assessment.
This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They can also write a report that'll help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk with your doctor
The first thing to do if you or your child has a problem with ADHD is to consult your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It may be helpful to bring a few notes with you to the appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your 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 asking about any mental health issues that you or your family may have had in the recent past. You might be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you fit the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about the options for medication.
It is important to realize that it can be a challenge for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD as they often have developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will typically need evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment - this is usually done by looking through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out other reasons for your difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private assessment with one of the numerous services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who don't know the science of ADHD however perseverance is the key to success.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to receive Disability Living Allowance and other reasonable adjustments. In adhd diagnosis uk adults , Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may require you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be assessed by psychiatrists with specialist expertise. They might also speak to other professionals who have worked with you, such as teachers or health workers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health conditions like depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss treatment options with you after the evaluation. 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 refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist can recommend an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can aid in managing your symptoms and develop the quality of your life. It may also be useful to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be very helpful and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They may also feel that other people don't understand them and may become angry or resentful. However, there are many ways to receive help. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
For many, getting an additional opinion can be very helpful. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or if you have a condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health disorders and can offer a clear understanding of what you are going through and how it may be impacting your life.
It is essential to discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist, since it can impact whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer or request an GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.
If you do decide to go through the self-referral process, it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you might have before your appointment, and taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on various aspects of your life. adhd uk diagnosis can also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, examining the ways they affect your daily activities and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, like anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are typically used to arrive at the diagnosis. The diagnosis is followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It also opens the doors to accessing disability-related assistance such as Disabled Student' Allowance or reasonable adjustments in college or at school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP believes that you have ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant way, they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to examine your school records or talk to anyone who knows you well as when you were a child. This is because it's not thought that ADHD develops in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely be given the option to choose one of the providers after being advised. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to use it on this page by ADHD UK.
You might be able get an assessment from your school when you are an undergraduate student. If they're willing to do this, then their report should be enough to access assistance through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you to suffer from significant impairment. The doctor might recommend medications or other treatments. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals, as well as any other concerns you might have. Then they'll make a decision regarding what next and will refer you back to your GP with plans. In most cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to think about the possibility of medication and a referral back to your GP to discuss this.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to obtain an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might be biased or do not take symptoms seriously. adhd diagnosis uk adults can be difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You will need a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain how you're experiencing symptoms and why you think they could be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been present for an extended period of time and have a significant impact on your life. This may include finding old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your past struggles.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able to decide if you would like to consider medication options. Usually, this will involve an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral as well as a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication through this route.