How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Consult your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They won't diagnose you right away but they'll recommend a clinical assessment.
This is done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll evaluate your ADHD. They will also assist you get DSA and reasonable adjustments by making a report.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child has an issue with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to visit your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and will refer you to a specialist if necessary. 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 to 90 minutes. It involves checking the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background, and asking about any mental health issues that you or your family may have had in the past. You might be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.
It is crucial to recognize that it is difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They'll also need to rule out any other causes for your difficulties like anxiety or depression.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the numerous providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be a bit difficult to deal with GPs who don't understand the scientific basis behind ADHD. However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a reference
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to receive Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide a right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely request you to fill out the questionnaire, which will be assessed by psychiatrists with specialist expertise. They may also want to speak to other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or health workers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults that 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 assessment. This could include medication, which is beneficial for many people who have ADHD. If you decide to go with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist may suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. You might also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be very helpful and reassuring.
Many people who suffer from ADHD find they have to do more work than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This can mean they lack self-esteem and can be frustrated by their lack of success at work or with relationships. They might also feel people don't understand their situation and become angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to get help. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are lots of organizations that provide these services.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This can be particularly important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that may be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can assist you to understand what is happening to you and how it might affect your daily routine.
It is crucial to discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist as this will determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This can be done by self-referring or getting a GP referral, or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you opt to self-refer it's recommended that you gather any supporting documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, note down about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect various aspects of your daily life. You can also request copies of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, looking at the ways they affect your daily functioning and assessing any comorbidities that might be present, including depression or anxiety. A clinical interview and questionnaires are commonly used to arrive at the diagnosis. This is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the help you require like medication or psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also assist you to get disability assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP is of the opinion that you could have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting your life and your family, they'll recommend an assessment in a clinical setting. This is a thorough process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. iampsychiatry.uk might also want to see your school records or talk to someone who knew you 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 have the option of choosing one of the providers after being advised. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
If you're a student, you might be able to receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do so the report will be sufficient to get support 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 look into getting an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you to suffer from significant impairment. They might suggest medications or other treatments. They'll probably also discuss 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 an action plan. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you want to consider medications and a referral back to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to obtain an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They may also be biased against an diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You'll need to undergo a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these healthcare experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain how you are struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been present for some period of time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This may include obtaining old school records and asking family to fill out forms regarding your past struggles.
After your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to investigate different options for your medication. This will usually involve a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You may also opt to make your diagnosis privately, and then purchase the medication from pharmacies.
A private diagnosis will not suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll require an NHS referral and a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of obtaining medication via this route.