How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD

If you suspect 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 immediately, but they likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs.

This will be done with an audiologist (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They will also assist you obtain DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing reports.

1. Talk to your GP

If you or your child is suffering from an issue with ADHD, the first step is to see your GP. They will be able to assess whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It might be helpful to take some written notes during this appointment.

Your GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background and identifying any mental health issues you or your family members may have faced in the recent past. You might be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you.

Adults often hide their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually require evidence to prove that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also need to rule out any other causes for your problems such as depression or anxiety.

If you are having difficulty getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation with one of the numerous providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD however perseverance is the key to success.

2. Ask for a referral

A diagnosis from a doctor is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you a right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment.

Your GP may require you to fill out the questionnaire, which will be reviewed by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also ask you to talk to other professionals who have been around you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will search for signs that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since childhood. They will also look at other health conditions like depression or thyroid issues to determine if they might explain your symptoms.

After the test Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which is useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you to your GP to discuss the care management.

If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist could recommend an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Joining a group of people suffering from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be very supportive and reassuring.

Many people who suffer from ADHD find they have to be more arduous than other people to manage their day-to-day lives. This can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand them and can be angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to receive support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are lots of good organisations that offer these services.

3. Get another opinion

A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed or have a medical condition like anxiety or depression that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in the diagnosis of mental health conditions and can give you an understanding of the issues you're experiencing and how it may be affecting your life.

You should discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth, as it can influence whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or obtain an GP referral or schedule an appointment privately with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD.

If you decide to go through the self-referral process it is recommended to gather any relevant information you may have prior to your appointment, and making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on different areas of your life. You can also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment.

A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, including how they interfere with your daily life and assessing any comorbidities present, such as depression or anxiety. They typically employ questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to determine a diagnosis, which they then follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the help you require to manage your symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy. It could also open the doors to accessing disability-related assistance, How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to the college or school.

4. Get a clinical evaluation

If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD, and that it is affecting your life in a significant way, they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is typically a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records or speak to anyone who knew you well as when you were a child. It's because ADHD is not thought to manifest in adults, and they will have to confirm the symptoms since the age of a child.

You'll likely be offered the option of choosing a provider once you've been referred. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers and their local NHS trust. This is known as 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 when you are an undergraduate student. If they're willing to allow this, then the results should be enough to qualify for support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you, so you may want to seek a private diagnosis instead.

Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may recommend treatment or other options. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide what to do and send you back to your GP. 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 back to your GP.

5. Get a diagnosis

It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS lack understanding of the condition's presentation in adults. They might be biased or don't take symptoms seriously. This makes it more difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis, but perseverance will pay off.

You will require a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to describe how you're experiencing symptoms and How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD the reason you believe they could be related to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on you. This could mean obtaining old school reports, and asking family members to fill out forms about how you have struggled in the past.

After your clinical assessment you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to consider medication options. Typically, this will require an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also choose to get your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from the pharmacy.

A private diagnosis will not suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a thorough examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of getting medication through this method.