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 will not diagnose you right away, but they will refer you to a medical assessment.
This will be conducted with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They will also assist you receive DSA and reasonable adjustments by making reports.
1. Talk to your doctor
If you or your child is suffering from a problem with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to see your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD they will refer you to an expert if needed. It may be useful to take written notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. The process should take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family background, and asking about any mental health issues you or your family may have had in the past. You might be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you treatment options.
It's important to realise that it can be difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes for your issues, like depression or anxiety.
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 difficult dealing with GPs who don't know the scientific basis behind ADHD. However, adhd diagnosis for adults is the key to success.
2. Ask for a reference
A clinical diagnosis is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines give you a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They might also consult with other professionals who have known you, such as teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to ADHD in adults and have been present since the age of. They will also consider other health issues like depression or thyroid issues to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medications that can be beneficial for many people with ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist can suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. You may also find it useful to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people with ADHD must struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This can result in low self-esteem, and frustration about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel they aren't understood by others and feel angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to seek out support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially important if you've been misdiagnosed or have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that may be co-existent with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can offer an accurate understanding of what you're going through and how it may be affecting your life.
It is crucial to discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, since this can affect whether you have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This can be done by self-referral or an GP referral, or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-referral, it is recommended to gather any relevant information you may have prior to your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different areas of your life. You may also request that a copy of your records be provided to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed assessment of your symptoms, including how they interfere with your daily functioning and examining any comorbidities that might be present, like anxiety or depression. They typically employ questionnaires and a clinical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they will then follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, such as medication and psychotherapy. It also opens the doors to accessing disability support like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP believes that you may be suffering from ADHD and it affects your life in a significant way, they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves talking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to look over your school records or talk to anyone who knows you as when you were a child. It's because ADHD isn't thought to manifest in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms from the age of a child.
If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll likely be offered a choice of which provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental healthcare providers, as well as their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to make use of it on this page from ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able to be assessed by your university. If they're willing to do this, then the report should be enough to access support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student' Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you might want to consider obtaining an independent diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest treatment or other options. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. Then they'll make a decision on what to do next and will refer you back to your GP with plans. In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to think about medication options and a referral to your GP to make this happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand how the condition manifests in adults. They could also be biased towards the diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You will need to have an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain how you're struggling with the symptoms and why you think they might be caused by ADHD. They'll be interested to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant effect on you. This could include obtaining old school reports, and asking family members to fill in forms about how you have suffered in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able decide if you would like to think about alternative medications. This usually involves an agreement to share care with your GP, where you will pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at pharmacies.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis will not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll require an NHS referral and a full examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication through this route.