10 Books To Read On How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD UK
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD
If you suspect that you or a child may be suffering from ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you right immediately, but they likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs.
This will be done with a psychiatrist (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate you for ADHD. They can also help you receive DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report.
1. Talk to your GP
The first thing to do if you or your child suffers with ADHD is to see your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe that you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist when needed. You may find it helpful to take some written notes during this appointment.
Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This is a process that will take 45 to 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history, and any other mental health problems you or your family members had in the past. You may be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you treatment options.
It is important to realize that it can be a challenge for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will typically require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing significant impairment - this typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out other reasons for your problems like depression or anxiety.
If you are having difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation through one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to be faced with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD, but perseverance is essential.
2. Request a recommendation
A clinical diagnosis is required to be eligible 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 require you to fill out the questionnaire which will be reviewed by a psychiatrist. They may also want to consult with other professionals who have known you, such as teachers or health workers. They will be looking for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present since childhood. They will also look into whether other health conditions, such as depression or thyroid problems might be the cause of your symptoms.
Your Psychiatrist might discuss the options for treatment with you following the assessment. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend you to your GP to share care management.
If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist can suggest an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and enhance your the quality of your life. Joining a group of people with ADHD can be helpful. They can be very helpful and reassuring.
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that they must do more work than others to get through their day-to-day lives. This can mean that they have low self-esteem and can be unhappy with their inability to succeed at the workplace or in relationships. They might also feel people don't get it 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. There are adhd diagnosis for adults that provide these services.
3. Get an opinion from a different source.
A second opinion is beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or if you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety that can co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can assist you to understand what is happening to you and how it might be impacting your daily life.
It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth because it could affect whether you meet 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 for adult ADHD.
If you do decide to take the self-referral route, it is recommended to gather any information you have prior to your appointment, as well as noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different aspects of your life. You can also request that copies of your medical records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.
A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough assessment of your symptoms. They will examine the way they impact your daily functioning, and look for any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. They will typically use questionnaires and a medical interview to reach a diagnosis, which they will then follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the support you need including medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It also opens the doors to obtaining disability assistance, such as Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at college or at school.
4. Have a medical evaluation
If your GP believes that you have ADHD and it affects your life in a significant way then they'll refer you to a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves talking with someone (often psychiatrists) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to see your school records or speak to someone who knew you as 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.
Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll likely be given a choice of which healthcare provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers, as well as their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to make use of it on this page by ADHD UK.
You may be able to get an assessment from your school in case you're an undergraduate student. If they're willing to do this, then their report should be enough to qualify for assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student Allowance. They won't be in the position to prescribe medications, so you might want to consider getting an individual diagnosis instead.
Your psychiatrist will determine whether your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. The doctor may recommend treatment with medication or other methods. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. They'll then make a decision regarding what following that and refer you back to your GP with a plan. In most instances doctors will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to think about taking medication. They might be able to refer you back to your GP.
5. Get a diagnosis
Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS, lack understanding of how the condition presents in adults. They may be biased against an diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. This can make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, but persistence will pay off.
You'll need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and why you think they might be caused by ADHD. They will be interested to know that your symptoms will last and have a significant impact on you. This may include finding old school records and asking family to fill out forms about your past struggles.
Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to look into alternative medication options. This is usually an agreement to share care with your GP and you will pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy.
It's worth noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this route, you will require a referral from the NHS and a thorough evaluation of ADHD by psychiatrist.