How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't diagnose you right away however they will refer you to a medical assessment.
This will be with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They can also help you obtain DSA and reasonable adjustments by making a report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you should do should you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to see your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert. It may be helpful to bring some written notes along to the appointment.
Your GP should then send 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, asking about your family history and identifying any mental health issues you or your family members may have had in the recent past. You may be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you the options for medication.
Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically want to see evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out other causes for your problems such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may think about an individual assessment. There are many providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who don't know the science behind ADHD. But perseverance is key.
2. Request a recommendation
A diagnosis from a doctor is required in order to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely require you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be reviewed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have known you, like teachers or healthcare workers. They will be looking for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also examine other health issues like thyroid issues or depression to determine if they can be the cause of your symptoms.
After the evaluation Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about the treatment options available. This might include medication, which can be helpful for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to discuss care management.
If you do not want to take medication or take medication, you can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This will help you reduce your symptoms and increase your life skills. You may also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be very helpful and reassuring.
Many people with ADHD must struggle to make ends meet in their lives. adhd diagnosis uk adults can result in low self-esteem, and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel others don't understand them and can be angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways to receive support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get a second opinion
A second opinion can be beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially true if you have been misdiagnosed, or you have a condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health issues and can offer an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it is impacting your life.
You should discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth, as it can influence whether you fit the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or request a GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-refer it's best to gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you experience and how they impact different areas of your daily life. You may also request that a copy of your documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed assessment of your symptoms, examining the ways they affect your daily activities and assessing any comorbidities present, like depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a medical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they'll follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy to manage your symptoms. It can also help you get disability assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments at school or college.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant manner then they'll recommend a clinical assessment. This is usually a fairly extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to see your school records, or talk to someone who knew you as an infant. This is due to the fact that it's not believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely have the choice of selecting one of the providers after being recommended. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers, as well as their local NHS trust. You can get useful information about how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your school in case you're studying there. If they are willing to provide it the results will be enough to qualify for support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medication, so you may want to consider getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may recommend treatments such as medication or other. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. They'll then make a decision about what to do next and refer you back to your GP with plans. In most cases, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to think about taking medication. They might also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It isn't easy to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how the condition manifests in adults. They might be biased or don't take the symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You will need to have an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain the reasons why you believe your symptoms might be related to ADHD. They will be interested to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant effect on you. This could mean collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in forms about how you have been struggling in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you will be able to discuss whether you would like to consider medication options. This will usually involve an agreement to share care with your GP, where you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at the pharmacy.
A private diagnosis will not be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To receive adhd uk diagnosis through this route, you'll require a referral from NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.