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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They aren't able to diagnose you there and then but will probably refer you for an assessment of your clinical needs. This will be with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test your symptoms for ADHD. They will also assist you obtain DSA and make reasonable adjustments by making an assessment report. 1. Speak with your doctor The first thing to do if you or your child suffers with ADHD is to consult your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert if needed. It is advisable to bring some notes in writing with you to this appointment. Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history and any other mental health problems you or your family have suffered from in the past. You might also be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then 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 learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to verify that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes for your problems, such as depression or anxiety. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the many providers on offer 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 of ADHD, but persistence is key. 2. Request a recommendation A medical diagnosis is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and other 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 evaluated by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also want to consult with other professionals who have worked with you, such as health professionals or teachers. They will search for signs that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also look into whether other health conditions like depression or thyroid problems may be causing your symptoms. Your Psychiatrist might discuss possible treatment options with you following the assessment. This might include medication which could be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to discuss the management of your care. If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you for an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and enhance your the quality of your life. You may also find it useful to join a support group for people with ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive. Many people suffering from ADHD discover that they must work harder than others to live their daily lives. This can mean that they lack self-esteem and can feel unhappy with their lack of success in work or with relationships. They can also feel that others don't understand them and be angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to get support. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. These services are provided by many good organisations. 3. Get a second opinion A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is particularly important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a condition such as depression or anxiety which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can help you understand what is happening to you and how it could affect your daily routine. It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in detail because it could affect whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or get a GP referral or schedule an appointment privately with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you choose to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you encounter and how they affect various aspects of your life. You can also request that a copy of your records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed analysis of your symptoms. They will examine how they affect your daily life, and look for any comorbidities, such as anxiety or depression. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to arrive at a diagnosis. This is then followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy. It could also open the door to obtaining disability assistance like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at school or college. 4. Go for a clinical assessment If your GP believes that you may have ADHD and that it's affecting your life, they'll refer you for a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy procedure that involves speaking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to look over your school records or talk to someone who was familiar with you as a child. It's because ADHD is not believed to develop in adults, and they'll be required to confirm your symptoms from childhood. You'll likely be offered the choice of selecting a provider once you've been recommended. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers and their local NHS trust. This is called Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to utilize it on this webpage from ADHD UK. If you're a student, you may be able to receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do this, then the report should be enough to access assistance through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, therefore, you may need to consider obtaining a private diagnosis instead. Your doctor will determine whether your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. The doctor might suggest treatment with medication or other methods. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to your GP. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to look into medications and a referral back to your GP to discuss this. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand how the condition presents in adults. They may be biased or do not take symptoms seriously. This could make it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, but persistence will pay off. You will need to have an expert assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to explain how you are struggling with the symptoms and why you think they could be related to ADHD. They will want to confirm 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 in the forms detailing how you've suffered in the past. Following your clinical assessment, you will be able to decide if you would like to look into alternative medication options. This is usually a shared care agreement with your GP and you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. Or, adhd diagnosis uk adults may opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication from pharmacies. It's important to note that a private diagnosis may not necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral and a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication through this route.