How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think 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 away, but they will refer you to a medical assessment.
This will take place with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test your symptoms for 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 is suffering from issues with ADHD the first step is to see your GP. If they believe you have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert, if required. It is advisable to bring some written notes along to the appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, as well as any other mental health issues you or your family members had in the past. You may also be asked to complete a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often mask their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to see proof that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family. They will also need you to rule out other causes for your problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may think about an individual assessment. There are a number of options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be a hassle to be faced with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who don't know the science of ADHD However, persistence is key.
2. Request a recommendation
A clinical diagnosis is required in order to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP will likely require you to fill out the questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a specialist psychiatrist. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have worked with you, for example, teachers or healthcare workers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present from childhood. They will also look at other health issues like thyroid issues or depression to determine if they can explain your symptoms.
After the test Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend you to your GP to discuss care management.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help to manage your symptoms and enhance your life skills. You might also find it beneficial to join a support group for people with ADHD. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people suffering from ADHD must work harder to get by in their lives. This can mean that they have low self-esteem and can feel unhappy with their inability to succeed at work or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand their situation and become angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways you can get support. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are offered by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For many people, getting a second opinion can be extremely beneficial. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders and can give you an accurate understanding of what you're going through and how it could be affecting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in detail, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer, request an GP referral or make an appointment in private with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.
If you choose to take the self-referral route it is a good idea to gather any relevant information you have prior to your appointment, and making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different areas of your life. You may also request a copy of your documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed assessment of your symptoms. They will look at how they affect your daily functioning and also look for comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are commonly used to establish an assessment. This is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication. It can also help you access disability support such as Disabled Students' Allowance and reasonable adjustments in school or college.
4. Do a clinical examination
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting your life and your family, they'll recommend an assessment. This is a thorough process that involves speaking to someone (often psychiatrists) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to look over your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you well as when you were a child. It's because ADHD isn't thought to develop in adults, and they will be required to confirm your symptoms from your childhood.
You'll likely have the choice of selecting the provider after you've been advised. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers and also their local NHS trust. You can find useful information on how to utilize this tool at ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
If you're a student, you might be able receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do so, their report is sufficient to receive help from reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - so you may want to seek an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you to suffer from significant impairment. They might suggest medication or other treatments. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goal and any other concerns you may have. Then, adhd diagnosis uk adults 'll make a choice about what to do next and send you back to your GP with an action plan. In the majority of instances, a doctor will identify 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 is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how ADHD manifests in adults. They may also be biased against an diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded.
You'll need to go through a an assessment by a specialist psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been present for some time and are having a significant impact on your life. This could involve getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've been struggling in the past.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able discuss whether you want to think about alternative medications. Most likely, this will be an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through the pharmacy.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis may not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a thorough assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication through this method.