How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD

If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you right away however they will recommend a clinical assessment.

This is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll evaluate your ADHD. They will also assist you obtain DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing a report.

1. Talk to your GP

If you or your child have a problem with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder the first step is to visit your GP. If they believe you have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert. It might be beneficial to write down some notes during this appointment.

Your GP should then send you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take 45 to 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and asking about your family history, and any other mental health issues you or your family members had in the past. You might be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you.

It's important to realise that it is difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD as they often have developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family members. They will also need you to rule out any other possible causes of your issues, like depression or anxiety.

If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, you may think about an assessment by a private doctor. There are many providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be a bit difficult to deal with GPs who don't know the science behind ADHD. But persistence is key.

2. Request a recommendation

A medical diagnosis is required to receive Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.

Your doctor will likely request you to fill out the questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a specialist psychiatrist. They may also ask to talk to other professionals who have known you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to 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.

Your Psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment with you following the examination. This could include medication, which can be beneficial for many people who have ADHD. If you decide to go with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care.

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 develop life skills. Joining a group of people who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be reassuring as well as supportive.

Many people with ADHD discover that they must do more work than others to manage their day-to-day lives. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment can mean they are self-conscious and may be dissatisfied with their lack of success at the workplace or in relationships. They might also feel others don't understand them and may be angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can get support. You can join online groups or attend meetings in person. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations.

3. Get an opinion from a different source.

A second opinion can be beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially true if you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that may be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can help you discover what's happening to you and how it might be impacting your daily life.

It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist as this can affect whether you have the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this either by self-referring or getting an GP referral or you can go private and book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD.

If you decide to self-referral it is a good idea to gather any information you may have prior to your appointment, and also taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You may also request a copy of your documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.

A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, including how they impact your daily functioning and assessing any comorbidities that may be present, like anxiety or depression. They typically employ questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to establish a diagnosis which they'll follow up with 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 also opens the door to accessing disability support like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school.

4. Take a clinical exam

If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's affecting your life and your family, they'll recommend an assessment. This is a lengthy process that involves talking with someone (often, a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They might also want to see your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as an infant. This is because it's not thought that ADHD develops in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood.

After you've been recommended for an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice of the provider you'd like to visit. Patients in England have the legal right to select their mental health providers and also their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to use this tool from ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose.

If you're a student, you might be able to be assessed by your university. If they're willing to allow 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 recommend medication or other therapies. They'll probably also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll then make a decision on what to do next and will send you back to your GP with a plan. In most cases doctors will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to think about taking medication. They may also refer you to your GP.

5. Get a diagnosis

It isn't easy to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand how ADHD manifests in adults. They could be biased against a diagnosis, or simply not take the symptoms seriously. It can be challenging to determine the 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 need to explain how you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They'll be interested in knowing that your symptoms will last and have a significant effect on you. This could include obtaining old school reports, and asking family members to fill out the forms detailing how you've been struggling in the past.

Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able decide if you would like to look into alternative medication options. This is usually an agreement to share care with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also choose to have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from pharmacies.

It's worth noting that a private diagnosis will not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this route, you will need a referral from the NHS and a thorough assessment of ADHD by psychiatrist.