How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you there and then but will likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will be with psychiatrists (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They can also write a report that'll aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child have issues with ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist when needed. It may be helpful to bring some written notes with you to this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This procedure can take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and looking into your family history, and any other mental health issues you or your family members have been through in the past. You may also be asked to complete 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 conceal their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually require evidence to prove that your symptoms are causing significant impairment - this typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out any other causes for your difficulties like depression or anxiety.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may think about a private assessment. There are a number of options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who aren't aware of the scientific basis behind ADHD. But perseverance is essential.
2. Ask for a reference
A diagnosis from a doctor is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines give you the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor might request you to complete the questionnaire which will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They may also ask you to speak to other professionals that have been around you, like teachers or healthcare workers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also examine other health conditions such as thyroid or depression to determine if they might explain your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medications which could be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to share care management.
If you do not want to take medication You may ask your Psychiatrist an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can aid in managing your symptoms and improve life skills. You might also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive.
Many people suffering from ADHD need to struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This can mean that they are self-conscious and can feel dissatisfied with their inability to succeed at the workplace or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't get it and may be angry or bitter. There are many ways to receive assistance. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. There are a lot of good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion can be helpful for many people. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed or if you have a medical condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychologists are experts in diagnosing mental health conditions and can give you an understanding of the issues you are going through and how it may be affecting your life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or request an GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you opt to self-refer, it's a good idea that you gather any supporting documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect various aspects of your daily life. You can also ask for a copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to when you meet with them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough analysis of your symptoms. They will examine how they affect your daily activities and will look for comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to establish a diagnosis. This is then followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the help you require to manage your symptoms, such as medication and psychotherapy. It can also assist you to access disability support such as Disabled Students' Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in college or at school.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
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 a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves talking with someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to review your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as when you were a child. This is because ADHD isn't thought to manifest in adults, and they'll need to confirm your symptoms from your childhood.
You'll likely be given 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 health providers and their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to make use of it on this webpage from ADHD UK.
If you're a student you might be able be assessed by your university. If they're willing to allow this, then the report will be sufficient to get assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you may need to consider obtaining an individual diagnosis instead.
adhd diagnosis uk adults will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest medication or other therapies. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals, as well as any other concerns you might have. Then they'll make a decision about what to do next and refer you back to your GP with an action plan. In most cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you want to consider medication options and a referral back to your GP to make this happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It isn't easy to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of the condition's presentation in adults. They could also be biased towards a diagnosis, or simply not take the symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You will need to have an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to explain how you're struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will be interested to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on your. This could involve getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've struggled in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to consider medication options. Most likely, this will be an agreement for shared-care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. You may also opt to get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this route, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.