How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect you or your child could have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately however they will refer you to a clinical assessment.
This will be done with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They'll also write an assessment report that will help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA.
1. Talk to your GP
If you or your child has an issue with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the first step is to visit your GP. If they suspect that you suffer from ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. It might be helpful to take some written notes to this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This process will take 45 to 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history, as well as any other mental health issues you or your family members suffered from in the past. You may be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.
adhd diagnosis in adults uk hide their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to see proof that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done through old school records or letters from family. They will also need you to rule out other causes for your issues, like depression or anxiety.
If you have difficulty getting an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the many services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't know the scientific basis behind ADHD. But persistence is the key to success.
2. Ask for a reference
A clinical diagnosis is required to access reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.
Your GP may request you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists with specialist expertise. They might also request to consult with other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or healthcare workers. 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 conditions like thyroid or depression might be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist may discuss possible treatment options with you following the examination. This could include medications, which can be helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication Your Psychiatrist will send you back to your GP for shared care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist can suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and improve your life skills. Joining a group of people suffering from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be very helpful and reassuring.
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that they must work harder than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This can mean they have low self-esteem and may be unhappy with their lack of success in work or with relationships. They might also feel others don't understand their situation and may become angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. These services are offered by numerous reputable organizations.
3. Get another opinion
A second opinion can be helpful for many 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 coexist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can help you understand what is happening to you and how it may be affecting your daily life.
You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail in order to determine whether you fit the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can either self-refer or obtain an GP referral or book an appointment in private with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.
If you do decide to go through the self-referral process it is a good idea to gather any relevant information you may have prior to your appointment, as well as making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different areas of your life. You may also request copies of your medical records to be delivered to the psychiatrist before you visit them.
A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily functioning and assessing any comorbidities that may be present, such as depression or anxiety. They typically employ questionnaires and a clinical interview to determine a diagnosis, which they then follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the help you require to manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medication. It can also open the door to accessing disability-related assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.
4. Have a medical evaluation
If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant way, they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is usually a fairly extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to look over your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as when you were a child. This is because it's not thought that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms were present from childhood.
You'll likely be given the choice of selecting the provider after you've been recommended. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental healthcare providers and also their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to make use of it on this page by ADHD UK.
If you're a student, you might be able receive an assessment from your university. If they're happy to do this, then the results should be enough to qualify for assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students Allowance. However they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you might want to seek a private diagnosis instead.
Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest medication or other therapies. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. They'll decide on what to do next and send you back to visit your GP. In the majority of cases doctors will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would prefer to take medication. They may also refer you to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the symptoms of ADHD in adults. They could also be biased towards a diagnosis, or simply not take the symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence will pay off.
You will need to have an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to describe your reasons for believing that your symptoms could be due to ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been going on for a long time and have a significant impact on your life. This may include obtaining old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms detailing your past struggles.
After your clinical assessment, you can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to investigate medication options. This usually involves a shared care agreement with your GP and you will pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You may also opt to get your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
It's important to note that a private diagnosis will not necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). For medication to be obtained through this route, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a full evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.