How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD

If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately but they'll refer you to a medical assessment.

This will be conducted with a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll assess your ADHD. They can also assist you to get DSA and other reasonable adjustments by writing a report.

1. Speak to your doctor

If you or your child is suffering from an issue 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 if needed. It is advisable to bring a few notes with you to this appointment.

Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves checking the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history and also asking about any mental health issues you or your family might have faced in the recent past. You might be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will go over medication options with you.

Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually need evidence that the symptoms are causing you 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 like depression or anxiety.

If you are having difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private assessment through one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't understand the scientific basis behind ADHD. But perseverance is key.

2. Ask for a referral

A clinical diagnosis is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment.

Your doctor might request you to complete a questionnaire that will be reviewed by a psychiatrist. They might also consult with other professionals who have been around you - such as teachers or health workers. They will be looking for a pattern that resembles the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present from childhood. They will also look into whether other health conditions, such as thyroid issues or depression might be the cause of your symptoms.

Your Psychiatrist might discuss treatment options with you after the evaluation. This could include medication, which is beneficial for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to discuss the care management.

If you are not ready to take medication You could ask your Psychiatrist to provide an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This will aid in managing your symptoms and develop the quality of your life. You might also find it beneficial to join a support group for people with ADHD. They can be very supportive and comforting.

Many people suffering from ADHD find they have to be more arduous than other people to get through their day-to-day lives. This can cause low self-esteem, and frustration about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel people don't understand their situation and may become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations.

3. Get another opinion

A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially true when you've been misdiagnosed, or if you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety that can co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can assist you to understand what is happening to you and how it may affect your daily routine.

You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail because it could affect whether you fit the ADHD diagnostic criteria. This can be done by self-referral or a GP referral or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD.

If you choose to self-referral it is recommended to gather any relevant information you have prior to your appointment, as well as noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different areas of your life. You may also request copies of your medical records be provided to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.

A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily life and assessing any comorbidities that may be present, including anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are typically used to arrive at the diagnosis. The diagnosis is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you access the support you need including medication and psychotherapy, to manage your symptoms. It also opens the door to accessing disability-related assistance like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at college or at school.

4. Go for a clinical assessment

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 clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves talking with someone (often, a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to review your school records or talk to someone who knew you as a child. This is because it's believed that ADHD develops in adults, and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms were present from childhood.

You'll likely have the option to choose a provider once you've been referred. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers and their local NHS trust. You can find useful information on how to use this tool at ADHD UK. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment is known as Right to Choose.

You may be able to get an assessment from your university if you are studying there. If they're willing to do this, then the report should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining an individual 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 may have. Then, they'll make a choice on what to do following that and send you back to your GP with plans. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you want to consider medications and a referral back to your GP to discuss this.

5. Get a diagnosis

It can be difficult to obtain an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand how the condition presents in adults. They could also be biased against an diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence pays off.

You'll need an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to explain how you're struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they could be related to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been going on for some time and are having an impact on your life. 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 evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor if you would like to explore medication options. This will usually involve a shared care agreement with your GP and you will be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. You can also choose to have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.

It's important to note that a private diagnosis will not necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You will require an NHS referral and a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication via this route.