How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you right immediately, but they likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will be with psychiatrists (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate you for ADHD. They will also assist you get DSA and reasonable adjustments by making a report.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you or your child have an issue with ADHD the first step is to see your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It may be beneficial to write down some notes to this appointment.
Your GP should then send you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as seeking out your family history, and any other mental health issues you or your family have had in the past. You may be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
adhd uk diagnosis mask their symptoms, making it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out any other causes for your issues, like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in a private assessment. There are a variety of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who don't know the science behind ADHD, but perseverance is the key to success.
2. Request a recommendation
A clinical diagnosis is needed to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and other reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may request you to fill out the questionnaire, which will be evaluated by a specialist psychiatrist. They may also want to speak to other professionals who have worked with you - for example, health professionals or teachers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health issues like thyroid issues or depression may be causing your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include medication, which can be beneficial for many people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to discuss care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can help you manage your symptoms and improve your life skills. It may also be beneficial to join a support group for people with ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This can result in low self-esteem and anger with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand their situation and feel angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to receive assistance. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. There are lots of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get a second opinion
For a lot of people, having an additional opinion can be very helpful. This is especially important if you have been misdiagnosed, or you suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can assist you to 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, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or get a GP referral or schedule an appointment in private with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you opt to self-refer it's best to gather any documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect various aspects of your daily life. You can also ask for a copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed analysis of your symptoms. They will look at the way they impact your daily activities, and look for any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a clinical interview to establish a diagnosis which they then follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need including medication and psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It can also help you get disability assistance, such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at college or at 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 for a clinical assessment. This is usually a fairly thorough process that involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to review your school records or talk to someone who was familiar with you as a child. This is because ADHD is not thought to manifest in adults, and they will be required to confirm your symptoms from the age of a child.
Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll likely be given a choice of which provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right to select their mental health providers and also their local NHS trust. You can find useful information about how to use this tool at ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
You may be able to get an assessment from your university in case you're a student. If they're happy to do this, then their report should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students Allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you - so you may want to consider obtaining a private diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine if your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. The doctor may recommend medications or other treatments. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns that you might have. They'll decide on what to do and refer you back to see your GP. In most instances, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to consider medication. They might also refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how the condition presents in adults. They may be biased or don't take symptoms seriously. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis, however perseverance can pay off.
You will require an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to explain how you're struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been recurring for an extended period of time and have a significant impact on your life. This could involve getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out reports on how you've suffered in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able discuss whether you want to think about alternative medications. Usually, this will involve a shared-care agreement with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also 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). For medication to be obtained through this route, you'll require a referral from NHS and a complete evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.