How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Speak to your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They won't diagnose you immediately, 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 your symptoms for ADHD. They will also assist you get DSA and make reasonable adjustments by making reports.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you should do when you suspect that your child has a problem with ADHD is to see your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. It might be beneficial to bring a few notes with you to the appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. This is a process that can take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as seeking out your family history, and any other mental health issues you or your family members been through in the past. You may also be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
Adults often hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD. 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 members. They'll also need to rule out other causes for your problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation with one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't know the scientific basis behind ADHD. But perseverance is essential.
2. Request a recommendation
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor may request you to complete the questionnaire which will be evaluated by psychiatrists. They may also ask you to talk to other professionals who have known you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also look into whether other health issues like depression or thyroid problems might be the cause of your symptoms.
After the evaluation, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medication which could be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to go with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you don't want to take medication, you could ask your Psychiatrist to provide an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This can help to manage your symptoms and enhance your life abilities. Joining a group of people who suffer from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring.
diagnosed with adhd suffering from ADHD discover that they must work harder than others to get through their day-to-day lives. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel others don't understand their situation and may become angry or bitter. There are many ways to receive support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. There are a lot of good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For many, getting an opinion from a different doctor can be extremely beneficial. This can be particularly important when you've been misdiagnosed or have a condition like anxiety or depression that could coexist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can assist you to determine what's happening to you and how it may be affecting your daily life.
It is essential to discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, since this will determine if you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can do this by self-referring or getting a GP referral, or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect various aspects of your life. You can also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, looking at the ways they affect your daily life and looking at any comorbidities present, such as anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a clinical interview to determine a diagnosis, which they'll follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, which includes psychotherapy and medication. It can also help you get disability assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Take a clinical exam
If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD, and that it is affecting your life in a significant way they will refer you to a medical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to look over your school records, or talk to anyone who knew you as an infant. This is because ADHD isn't thought to develop in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms from your childhood.
If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll most likely be given the option 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. You can find useful information on how to utilize this tool on ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.
You might be able get an assessment from your university if you are a student. If they're willing to provide it, their report will be sufficient to get help from reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medications, so you might be able to get an independent diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. He or she might recommend treatment with medication or other methods. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goal and any other concerns that you may have. They'll then decide on what to do and refer you back to see your GP. In most cases, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to consider medication. They may also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might be biased or not consider symptoms as serious. It is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You will need an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked why you believe that your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been recurring for an extended period of time and have an impact on your life. This could involve collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in forms about how you have been struggling in the past.
After your clinical assessment You can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore different options for your medication. This usually involves a shared care agreement with your GP and you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at pharmacies.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis won't necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this method, you'll require a referral from NHS and a full assessment of ADHD by a psychiatrist.