How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They will not diagnose you right away however they will recommend a clinical assessment.
This will be with a psychiatrist (or psychologist who is located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate you for ADHD. They can also write a report that'll aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you need to do when you suspect that your child is suffering with ADHD is to see your GP. If they suspect that you suffer from ADHD and they recommend you to an expert if 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 process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as asking about your family history, as well as any other mental health issues you or your family members had in the past. You might be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
It's important to realise that it can be a challenge for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need to see proof that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This typically involves looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They'll also have to rule out any other causes for your difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may want to consider a private assessment. There are a number of providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD However, persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A clinical diagnosis is needed to receive Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines give you the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may ask you to complete a questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also talk to other professionals who have been around you - such as health professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health issues, such as depression or thyroid problems, could explain your symptoms.
After the evaluation the Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include medications which could be beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share the management of your care.
If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you for an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can 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 find they have to do more work than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This can cause feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They may also feel that people don't get it and can be angry or resentful. There are many ways you can get support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. These services are offered by many good organisations.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion can be helpful for many people. This is especially true if you have been misdiagnosed, or you suffer from a condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health issues and can give you a clear understanding of what you are going through and how it is impacting your life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist, as it can impact whether you meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this by self-referring or getting a GP referral, or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you do decide to self-referral, it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you have prior to your appointment, and also making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on various aspects of your life. You can also ask for an official copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist prior to when you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, examining how they interfere with your daily activities and assessing any comorbidities present, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to arrive at a diagnosis. This is then followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It can also open the doors to obtaining disability assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Have a medical evaluation
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant way they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is typically a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to examine your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you well as an infant. This is because it's believed that ADHD can develop in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms were present from childhood.
If you've been referred to an assessment you'll probably be given the option of which provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental healthcare providers and also their local NHS trust. You can find useful information about how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You might be able get an assessment from your school in case you're a student. If they are willing to take the initiative, their report will be enough to qualify for support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They won't be in the position to prescribe medications, so you might be able to get a private diagnose instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may suggest treatments such as medication or other. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. They'll decide on what to do and refer you back to your GP. In the majority of cases, a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you'd like to think about medication options and a recommendation to your GP for this to happen.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They could also be biased towards an diagnosis, or not consider the symptoms serious. This makes it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, however perseverance will pay off.
You'll need to undergo a an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to describe your reasons for believing that the symptoms you're experiencing 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 your. This could mean collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've suffered in the past.
After your clinical evaluation After your evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore medication options. This usually involves a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. Alternatively, adhd uk diagnosis can choose to obtain your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through pharmacies.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis will not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). For medication to be obtained through this route, you'll need a referral from the NHS and a thorough assessment of ADHD by psychiatrist.