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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 be able to diagnose you right away but they'll recommend a clinical assessment. This will be done with a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They can also assist you to receive DSA and reasonable adjustments by making reports. 1. Talk to your GP The first thing you should do when you suspect that your child suffers with ADHD is to consult your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist in the event of need. It may be helpful to take some written notes during this appointment. Your GP will then send you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. This process will take 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as looking into your family history, and any other mental health problems you or your family have had in the past. You may be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will go over medication options with you. It's important to realise that it is difficult for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD since they've learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This typically involves looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They will also need you to rule out other causes for your issues, like depression or anxiety. If you're having trouble getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal assessment through one of the many services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating to be faced with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who don't know the science behind ADHD, but perseverance is essential. 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 give you the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your doctor may require you to fill out the questionnaire which will be reviewed by a psychiatrist. They may also ask you to talk to other professionals who have been around you, like healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for signs that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since the age of. They will also consider whether other health issues, such as thyroid or depression may be causing your symptoms. After the evaluation Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which can be beneficial for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to discuss the management of your care. If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist may suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help to reduce your symptoms and increase your life skills. Joining a support group of people with ADHD could be beneficial. They can be reassuring and uplifting. Many people suffering from ADHD find they have to be more arduous than other people to live their daily lives. This can mean that they have low self-esteem and can feel dissatisfied with their lack of success in work or in relationships. They may also feel that they aren't understood by others and feel angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways you can seek support. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. There are many excellent organizations that provide these services. 3. Get another opinion A second opinion can be beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed or if you suffer from a condition like anxiety or depression which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis of mental health issues and can give you an understanding of the issues you are going through and how it may be impacting your life. It is crucial to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist as it can impact whether you have the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can either self-refer or get a GP referral or make an appointment in private with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you choose to take the self-referral route it is a good idea to gather any supporting information you have prior to your appointment, as well as taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different areas of your life. You may also request copies of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. meet with them. A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough assessment of your symptoms, examining how they impact your daily activities and examining any comorbidities that may be present, such as depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a clinical interview to establish a diagnosis which they then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD could help you get the support you need, such as medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It could also open the door to accessing disability-related assistance such as Disabled Student' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at school or college. 4. Get a clinical evaluation If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant way, they will refer you to a medical assessment. This is typically a thorough process that involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records or to speak to anyone who knew you well as when you were a child. This is because it's believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults, and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood. After you've been recommended for an assessment you'll probably be offered a choice of which provider to see. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can get useful information about how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose. You might be able get an assessment from your school in case you're a student. If they're happy to do this, then the report will be sufficient to get assistance with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students Allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining an independent diagnosis instead. Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult 'll then decide what to do next and send you back to your GP. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to think about medication options and a referral back to your GP to discuss this. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, particularly in the NHS, lack understanding of how ADHD manifests in adults. They may be biased or don't take symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence pays off. You will require a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll need to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and why you think they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been recurring for some time and have an enormous impact on your life. This could involve collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in the forms detailing how you've been struggling in the past. After your clinical assessment you'll be able discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. Typically, this will require an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately and then purchase the medication from pharmacies. It's important to note that a private diagnosis won't necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll require an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of obtaining medication via this route.