How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They can't diagnose you immediately, but they will probably refer you for an assessment in the clinic.
This will be done with a psychiatrist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test your symptoms for ADHD. They can also assist you to obtain DSA and other reasonable adjustments by writing a report.
1. Talk to how to get an adhd diagnosis uk
If you or your child is suffering from issues with ADHD the first step is to visit your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. You may find it useful to take written notes to this appointment.
Your GP should then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of 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, as well as any other mental health problems you or your family members have had in the past. You may be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you treatment options.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically need evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment - this is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out other reasons for your difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in an individual assessment. There are a number of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD however perseverance is essential.
2. Request a recommendation
A medical diagnosis is required to qualify for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may ask you to complete a questionnaire, which will be reviewed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have been around you, for example, healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health issues like thyroid issues or depression might be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment with you following the assessment. This could include medication, which can be beneficial for many people who suffer from ADHD. If adhd uk diagnosis decide to proceed with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you back to your GP for shared care management.
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 manage your symptoms and improve your life abilities. You may also find it useful to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring.
Many people suffering from ADHD need to be more efficient in their daily lives. This can mean they have low self-esteem and may be unhappy with their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways to seek out support. You can join online groups or meet in person. There are a lot of good organisations that offer these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion can be beneficial for a variety of people. This can be particularly important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that may be co-existent with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health conditions and can give you an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it is impacting your life.
It is essential to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, since it can impact whether you have the diagnostic criteria for 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 for adult ADHD.
If you decide to self-referral it is recommended to gather any supporting information you may have prior to your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also request copies of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist before you see them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed assessment of your symptoms. They will assess the way they impact your daily functioning, and look for any complications, like anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are typically used to arrive at a diagnosis. This is then followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the help you require to manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medication. It can also allow you to access disability support such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Get a clinical evaluation
If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting on your life and your family, they'll recommend a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves talking with someone (often psychiatrists) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They might 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 will be required to confirm your symptoms since your childhood.
You'll likely be offered the option of choosing a provider once you've been recommended. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to make use of it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you may be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're happy to do this, then their report should be enough to qualify for support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, so you may want to look into getting a private diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest treatments such as medication or other. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns that you may have. They'll then make a decision regarding what next and will return you to your GP with an action plan. In most instances, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to consider medication. They may also refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They may be biased against a diagnosis, or simply not consider the symptoms serious. It can be challenging to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence pays off.
You'll need to undergo a an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to describe how you're experiencing symptoms and the reason you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been going on for some time and are having an enormous impact on your life. This could mean collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill out reports on how you've suffered in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able decide if you would like 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 via an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from the pharmacy.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis may not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral and a thorough examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication via this route.