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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is a real condition and can cause significant impairment. It can affect anyone of all ages and is treated with stimulant medications.
If you suspect that you have ADHD it's essential to speak with your GP and be honest and honest about your symptoms. They'll then refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
1. See your GP
The first step is to visit your GP. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD It is crucial to speak to your GP about the way you feel and how your symptoms impact on your daily life. If they believe that it would be beneficial, they can refer you to an ADHD specialist.
In general, ADHD assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist (though not always). They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they impact your day-today functioning. They may also ask to review your medical history, including any mental health issues that you've faced in the past. They will often ask for examples from your childhood, and will examine how your symptoms affect various aspects of your life. They will also look at your family history and if they have had a prior diagnosis of ADHD either in themselves or their children.
It isn't always easy to get an ADHD diagnosis, particularly for adults. Sometimes, you will encounter prejudice from professionals who don't understand the condition. This is especially difficult if you're a person of color or have a gender assigned at birth, or not an English-speaking native.
If your GP is not keen to refer you, you should ask why, since there are probably some medical reasons that explain why they wouldn't do this. You might find that your doctor does not believe that your symptoms are severe enough or have been present for a prolonged period of time. It could be worth changing GPs, or using your "Right to choose" to obtain a private evaluation commissioned by the NHS.
Here is a guide from Psychiatry UK that explains how accomplish this. If your GP is not willing to make this referral you can try again with a different GP or self-refer to an independent provider yourself, which is quite affordable compared to an NHS Maudsley referral! This will allow you to have your ADHD assessment done and receive a diagnosis within six weeks, so it's worth a shot.
2. Request an assessment
If you are concerned about whether or not you have ADHD or whether your child may have it, ask your GP to refer you to an assessment. They should be willing to do this, but they may inform you that you don't meet the requirements for ADHD because your symptoms are more akin to another disorder. You do not have to accept it - you can ask an individual provider to evaluate yourself. Many people find this to be the fastest and easiest method.
You will be asked to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to the interview. Often it will involve a psychologist (although this could also be a psychiatrist, or another mental health professional, too).
They will look at your past and how ADHD symptoms have affected you. You must be honest and open to allow them to get to know the root of your issues. They will also watch your behaviour at work, at home or at school as well as with family and friends. They may also request a medical check-up and may order blood tests to rule out any other ailments.
The NHS can provide an ADHD assessment for those who have been referred to them by their physician. The service can be very slow and there are several waiting times. Some providers have shorter waiting times than others, and are more easily accessible through the internet. This could be a big advantage.
The Psychologist will look at your symptoms to determine if you are ADHD. They will also check for other mental illnesses which can manifest with ADHD. For instance, they might examine for depression or anxiety because they can co-exist with ADHD. They will then recommend medication options and if you agree, they will refer back to your GP to discuss shared care medications.
If you choose to go the private route, the psychiatrist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis faster as they are accustomed to working with adult males and women with ADHD. They also assist in examine other mental health conditions and know how they can affect someone who suffers from ADHD.
3. Ask for a referral to a specialist
Make an appointment to see your GP in case you aren't sure whether you have ADHD, or another mental health issue. In this open and honest conversation you'll be able to share your symptoms and how they affect different aspects of your lives. If your GP takes you seriously and believes you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD then they will suggest an NHS ADHD assessment. If your GP is unable to make this referral, or you are waiting too long on the NHS ADHD assessment list, you may opt to self-refer.
You'll typically be seen by an expert psychiatrist or psychologist who are the only healthcare professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK (NICE guidelines). They will inquire about your family medical history and also interview a trusted close friend or colleague. Video calls are a great way to interview you, or the interview can be conducted in person. The expert will discuss your current issues and perform certain tests for clinical purposes which could include ADHD questionnaires. They'll also ask you about how your symptoms affect your home, work and social life. They'll also take into consideration other conditions that can trigger similar symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Based on the type of diagnosis you've received You may be prescribed medication and a plan for treatment. You may also be directed back to your GP to discuss shared management. The good news is that the majority of ADHD adults see a big improvement in their lives post-diagnosis - even without taking medication.
It can be challenging to find a psychiatrist who has experience in the field of diagnosing ADHD and whose practices conform to the standards established by NICE. However there are a variety of private psychiatrists who have years of experience and offer professional, efficient services. You can find a psychiatrist, and many provide online assessments that could be faster than an NHS referral. They charge between PS600 and PS1,200, but are eligible for financial assistance from the NHS through the Right To Choose scheme.
4. Request a diagnosis
Finding out the extent of your adhd risk is trickier when you are an adult than a child. The DSM-5 symptoms guide is very heavily geared towards diagnosing children and does not provide an exact path to a diagnosis for adults. A psychiatrist will generally require a full account of your symptoms, and how they affect you as well as members of your family and at work. They might also request to review old school reports or job reviews.
This is a subjective and thorough process, particularly for adults. Psychiatrists are likely to rule out other potential causes of your ADHD symptoms, like depression or thyroid problems. They'll also want to ensure that your symptoms have been present since your childhood. It can be difficult to prove this, especially in the case of an adult and not in touch with their former teachers. It can be very helpful to bring documentation with you to your test like checklists and notes from family and friends.
It is vital that your GP spends time understanding your symptoms and how they impact you in your everyday life. They will then refer you a specialist for an ADHD assessment. NICE guidelines stipulate that doctors should not diagnose themselves since they aren't psychiatrists trained. They can only provide treatment options like medication and psychotherapy.
If your doctor suggests it is recommended, the NHS will pay for an ADHD assessment. Ask for a psychiatrist to conduct the assessment, as they are trained to diagnose and manage ADHD. The test should consist of an interaction with a person in person as well as observations of how you function in different settings, such as at home, work and at school. You will also be asked to fill out questionnaires.
You are entitled to request a private examination also, if you are unhappy with the length of wait times for the NHS. There is adult diagnosis adhd about how to make this request and what options are available in our guide.