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 immediately however they will refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will take place with a psychiatrist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They will also assist you get DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child have an issue with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the first step is to visit your GP. If they believe you have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. It may be helpful to bring some written notes with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This process can take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, as well as any other mental health problems you or your family members have suffered from in the past. You might also be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you the options for medication.
Adults often hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to verify that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family. They'll also need to rule out other reasons for your difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal evaluation through one of the many providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to be faced with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD however persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to qualify for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might require you to fill out an assessment form that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They may also want to speak to other professionals who have worked with you - for example, teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present from childhood. They will also look into whether other health issues like thyroid issues or depression, could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss possible treatment options with you following the examination. This could include medications, which can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist could suggest an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and enhance your life skills. It may also be beneficial to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD need to be more efficient in their daily lives. This can lead to low self-esteem and anger about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't get it and can become angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis are offered by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get another opinion
For a lot of people, having an additional opinion can be extremely beneficial. This is especially true in the event that you've been misdiagnosed or if you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health issues. They can help you understand what is happening to you and how it might be affecting your daily life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist as this can affect whether you are able to meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can either self-refer or request an GP referral or make an appointment with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.
If you decide to go through the self-referral process it is recommended to gather any relevant information you may have prior to your appointment, and taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You may also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed analysis of your symptoms. They will assess the way they impact your daily functioning, and look for any complications, like anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are commonly used to arrive at the diagnosis. This is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the assistance you require, such as medication and psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It can also allow you to get disability assistance, such as Disabled Student's Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in school or college.
4. Take a medical assessment
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's impacting on your life and your family, they'll recommend an assessment in a clinical setting. This is a thorough process that involves talking with someone (often psychiatrists) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records, or talk to anyone who knew you as an infant. This is because it's believed that ADHD can develop in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
Once you've been referred for an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice of the provider you'd like to visit. Patients in England have the legal right to select their mental health providers and also their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to utilize it on this page by ADHD UK.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university if you are studying there. If they're willing to do so the results is sufficient to receive assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you might want to seek an independent diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend medication or other therapies. They will also likely discuss your long-term goal and any other concerns that you might have. Then they'll make a decision about what to do next and will refer 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 like to think about taking medication. They may also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of how ADHD manifests in adults. They might be biased or not take the symptoms seriously. This could make it more difficult to get an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance will pay off.
You'll need to go through a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked why you believe that the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been present for a long period of time and are having a significant impact on your life. This may include obtaining old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your issues in the past.
After your clinical assessment You can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to investigate different options for your medication. This is usually an agreement to share care with your GP, where you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a full assessment of ADHD by a psychiatrist.