How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or your child could have ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. adhd uk diagnosis won't diagnose you immediately however they will refer you to a medical assessment.
This will take place with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report that will assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing you need to do if you or your child has a problem with ADHD 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 if necessary. You may find it useful to take written notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history, as well as any other mental health problems you or your family have suffered from in the past. You might also be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.
Adults often conceal their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically need evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out other causes for your difficulties like anxiety or depression.
If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may think about an individual assessment. There are a number of providers 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 key.
2. Ask for a referral
A medical diagnosis is required in order to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant a right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your doctor will likely ask you to complete a questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists with specialist expertise. They may also ask you to speak to other professionals that have worked with you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will search for signs that match those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health conditions like thyroid issues or depression may be causing your symptoms.
After the assessment, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This might include medication 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're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist can recommend an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and improve your life abilities. Joining a support group for people suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and reassuring.
Many people with ADHD need to struggle to make ends meet in their daily lives. This can lead to low self-esteem and anger with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They might also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or bitter. However, there are many ways to get help. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations.
3. Get another opinion
For many people, getting a second opinion can be very helpful. This can be particularly important if you've been misdiagnosed or have a condition like anxiety or depression that could coexist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health issues and can provide an understanding of the issues you're experiencing and how it is impacting your life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist thoroughly because it could affect whether you fit the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or obtain a GP referral or make an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.
If you choose to self-refer, it's a good idea that you gather any supporting documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect different areas of your daily life. You may also request a copy of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. meet with them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms. They will assess how they affect your daily activities and will look for co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression. They will usually use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to reach a diagnosis, which they'll follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the help you require including medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to accessing disability support like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments in school or college.
4. Do a clinical examination
If your GP thinks you might have ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant way then they'll refer you to a medical assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to look over your school records, or talk to someone who knew you as a child. This is because it's believed that ADHD can develop in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.
You'll likely be offered the option to choose one of the providers after being recommended. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find information on how to use it on this page from ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you might be able get an assessment through your university. If they're happy to do this, then their report should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student' Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medications, so you might want to consider getting an independent diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. The doctor may 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 see your GP. In the majority of instances, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would prefer to take medication. They may be able to refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get an adult diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS are not aware of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They may be biased or not take the symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You'll need to undergo a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain how you're experiencing symptoms and why you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been recurring for an extended period of time and are having an impact on your life. This could involve finding old school records and asking family members to fill in forms detailing your issues in the past.
After your clinical assessment you'll be able discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. Usually, this will involve an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at pharmacies.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis will not necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you will require a referral from NHS and a full assessment of ADHD by psychiatrist.