How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you right away but they'll recommend a clinical assessment.
This will take place with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report that will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Speak to your doctor
The first thing you should do when you suspect that your child suffers with ADHD is to visit your GP. They will be able to assess whether they think that you are suffering from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It might be beneficial to write down some notes during this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, and any other mental health problems you or your family have had in the past. You may be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about medication options.
Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually 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 will also need to rule out any other causes for your issues like depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may think about an assessment by a private doctor. There are a number of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't know the science behind ADHD. But persistence is the key to success.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis is required to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may require you to fill out the questionnaire which will be assessed by psychiatrists. They might also talk to other professionals who have known you - for example, health professionals or teachers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to ADHD in adults and that have been present since childhood. They will also look at other health conditions such as thyroid issues or depression to determine if they might explain your symptoms.
After the test the Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This might include medication that can be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.
If you don't want to take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This can help to manage your symptoms and improve your life abilities. Joining a group of people with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be reassuring and uplifting.
Many people with ADHD must work harder to get by in their lives. This can mean they are self-conscious and can feel dissatisfied with their inability to succeed at work or in relationships. They might also feel others don't understand their situation and become angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can get support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. There are many excellent organizations that provide these services.
3. Get another opinion
For many people, getting an additional opinion can be extremely beneficial. This can be particularly important if you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health disorders and can give you an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it may be impacting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in detail in order to determine whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or request a GP referral or make an appointment in private with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you choose to take the self-referral route it is recommended to gather any supporting information you have prior to your appointment, and taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also ask for an official copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to when you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, examining how they impact your daily life and examining any comorbidities that might be present, like anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a medical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they'll follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the help you require including medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also assist you to access support for disabled people, such as Disabled Student's Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in school or college.
4. Do a clinical examination
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 speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to look over your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as an infant. It's because ADHD isn't believed to develop in adults, and they will have to confirm the symptoms since childhood.
You'll likely be given the choice of selecting a provider once you've been referred. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers and also their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to use it on this webpage from ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you may be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to do this, then the results should be enough to qualify for assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance. They won't be in the position to prescribe medication, so you may want to consider getting an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine whether your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. The doctor might recommend medications or other treatments. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to your GP. In the majority of cases doctors will diagnose 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
It can be difficult to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS lack understanding of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might be biased or don't consider symptoms as serious. ADHD Diagnosis is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You'll need a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain the reasons why you believe the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant effect on your. This could include obtaining old school reports, and asking family members to fill out reports on how you've been struggling in the past.
After your clinical assessment, you can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to investigate the possibility of taking medication. This will usually involve an agreement to share care with your GP and you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from pharmacies.
A private diagnosis will not be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a thorough assessment of ADHD by psychiatrist.