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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD Consult your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They won't diagnose you immediately however they will recommend a clinical assessment. This will be conducted with the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. diagnosing adhd 'll evaluate your ADHD. They will also assist you receive DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing an assessment report. 1. Talk to your GP If you or your child has issues with ADHD, the first step is to visit your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. You may find it beneficial to write down some notes to this appointment. Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family background and identifying any mental health issues you or your family members may have experienced in the recent past. You might also be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you the options for medication. Adults often conceal their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will typically require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing significant impairment – this is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may want to consider a private assessment. There are many providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult to be faced with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD However, persistence is key. 2. Request a recommendation A diagnosis from a doctor is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines grant the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment. Your GP will likely request you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be assessed by psychiatrists with specialist expertise. They might also request to speak to other professionals that have worked with you, such as teachers or healthcare workers. They will look for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present from childhood. They will also consider whether other health conditions like thyroid issues or depression, could explain your symptoms. After the assessment Your Psychiatrist will speak to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which is useful for many with ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care. If you do not want to take medication or take medication, you can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent assessment of your psychological or occupational therapy. This can aid in managing your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. Joining a support group for people suffering from ADHD could be beneficial. They can be very helpful and comforting. Many people suffering from ADHD find that they need to do more work than others to live their daily lives. This can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel others don't understand their situation and become angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to seek out assistance. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations. 3. Get another opinion For many, getting an additional opinion can be extremely beneficial. This is especially true if you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can help you determine what's happening to you and how it might affect your daily routine. It is essential to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist as this will determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can self-refer or request an GP referral or book an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you choose to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect various aspects of your daily life. You may also request an official copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist before you see them. A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, including how they impact your daily life and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, such as anxiety or depression. They will typically use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to reach a diagnosis, which they will then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including medication and psychotherapy. It can also assist you to access support for disabled people, such as Disabled Student's Allowance and reasonable adjustments in the college or school. 4. Do a clinical examination If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant way then they'll refer you to a medical assessment. This is a thorough process that involves talking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to see your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you well as a child. It's because ADHD is not thought to manifest in adults, and they will need to confirm your symptoms from the age of a child. You'll likely be offered the choice of selecting a provider once you've been advised. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to make use of it on this page from ADHD UK. If you're a student you may be able to be assessed by your university. If they're willing to allow this, then the results should be enough to qualify for assistance through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medications, so you might be able to get an independent diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may recommend treatment or other options. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. They'll decide on what to do and send you back to your GP. In the majority of cases, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to think about taking medication. They might also refer you back to your GP. 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 might also be biased towards a diagnosis, or simply not take the symptoms seriously. This could make it harder to obtain a diagnosis, but persistence can pay off. You'll need a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain how you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been going on for an extended period of time and have an impact on your life. This could include getting old school records or asking family members to fill in forms about your struggles in the past. After your clinical assessment you'll be able to decide if you would like to look into alternative medication options. Most likely, this will be an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at pharmacies. A private diagnosis won't be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You will need an NHS referral and a full examination by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to have the best chance of getting medication via this route.