How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or a child may be suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They can't diagnose you there and then but likely refer you to an assessment in the clinic.
This is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll evaluate your ADHD. They can also write an assessment report to aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you or your child has an issue with ADHD, the first step is to consult your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe that you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist when needed. You may find it helpful to take some written notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This procedure will take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history and any other mental health issues you or your family members suffered from in the past. You may be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you medication options.
It's important to realise that it is difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will typically require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing significant impairment - this typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also have to rule out any other causes for your difficulties like anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the numerous providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who don't know the science of ADHD however persistence is key.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis 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 require you to fill out a questionnaire that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have worked with you, for example, teachers or healthcare workers. They will look for signs that are similar to ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also consider other health conditions like thyroid or depression to see if they could explain your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss possible treatment options with you following the evaluation. This might include medication, which can be helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP for shared care management.
If you are not ready to take medication You may ask your Psychiatrist an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This will help you manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Joining a support group for people suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very supportive and comforting.
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that they must do more work than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This can mean they are self-conscious and can feel unhappy with their lack of success in work or in relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or resentful. There are many ways to get help. You can join online groups or meet in person. There are many good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
For a lot of people, having an additional opinion is extremely beneficial. adhd diagnosis adult www.adhddiagnosis.top is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health conditions and can offer a clear understanding of what you're going through and how it is affecting your life.
It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist, since this will determine if you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can either self-refer or get a GP referral or make an appointment in private with a specialist in adult ADHD.
If you opt to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you experience and how they impact various aspects of your daily life. You can also request that the 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 the way they impact your daily activities, and look for any co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are typically used to arrive at a diagnosis. The diagnosis is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the assistance you require like medication or psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It can also allow you to access disability support such as Disabled Student's Allowance and 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 medical assessment. This is a thorough procedure that involves speaking with someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They might also want to look over your school records, or talk to someone who knew you as an infant. This is because it's believed that ADHD develops in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll likely be given a choice of which healthcare provider to see. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers and their local NHS trust. You can get useful information about how to use this tool at ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose.
You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university in case you're studying there. If they're willing to take the initiative the results will be sufficient to get assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They won't be in the position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining a private diagnose instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest medication or other therapies. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. Then they'll make a decision on what to do next and will return you to your GP with plans. In most instances, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd prefer to take medication. They might also refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS, lack understanding of how the condition presents in adults. They may be biased or not consider symptoms as serious. It can be challenging to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You will require a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked your reasons for believing that the symptoms you are experiencing might be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been recurring for an extended period of period of time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This could mean getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out the forms detailing how you've struggled in the past.
After your clinical assessment, you can discuss with your doctor whether you would like to explore different options for your medication. This is usually a shared care agreement with your GP, where you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through pharmacies.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis may not necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this route, you'll need a referral from the NHS and a thorough evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.