How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you suspect you or your child could have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you immediately but they'll refer you to a medical assessment. This will be done with psychiatrists (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can also assist you to get DSA and other reasonable adjustments by making reports. 1. Talk to your doctor The first thing to do if you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to consult your GP. They will be able to determine whether they believe you suffer from ADHD and refer you to a specialist in the event of need. You may find it beneficial to write down some notes to this appointment. Your GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. This process will take 45 to 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and seeking out your family history, as well as any other mental health problems you or your family members been through in the past. You may 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 diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will usually 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 other possible causes for your problems, such as depression or anxiety. If you're having trouble finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in an assessment by a private doctor. There are a variety of options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult to have to deal with GPs or psychologists, as well as nurses who are not aware of the science behind ADHD however perseverance is essential. 2. Ask for a reference A clinical diagnosis is needed to receive Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide the right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment. Your GP may request you to fill out a questionnaire, which will be evaluated by psychiatrists who specialize in the field. They may also ask you to speak to other professionals that have been around you, for example, healthcare professionals or teachers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health conditions like thyroid issues or depression to determine if they might explain your symptoms. After the test, your Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which can be useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to go with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP for shared care management. If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can aid in managing your symptoms and develop the quality of your life. You may also find it beneficial to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring as well as supportive. Many people with ADHD find they have to be more arduous than other people to manage their day-to-day lives. This can lead to low self-esteem, and frustration about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel they aren't understood by others and may become angry or resentful. There are many ways to receive help. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations. 3. Get a second opinion For many people, getting a second opinion can be extremely beneficial. This is especially true in the event that you've been misdiagnosed or if you suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health issues. They can help you discover what's happening to you and how it might affect your daily routine. You should discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this by self-referring or obtaining an GP referral or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you decide to self-refer it's recommended that you gather any supporting documentation you have prior to your appointment. Also, note down about the symptoms you experience and how they impact various aspects of your life. You may also request the records be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms. They will examine the way they impact your daily functioning and will look for comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. They will typically use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to determine 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, such as medication and psychotherapy. It could also open the door to obtaining disability assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school. 4. Take a medical assessment If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's affecting your life they'll refer you to an assessment in a clinical setting. This is usually a fairly thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to see your school records or to speak to anyone who knew you well as an infant. This is due to the fact that it's not believed that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms were present from childhood. You'll likely be given the option of choosing one of the providers after being advised. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers, as well as their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose. If you're a student you may be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to provide it the results will be sufficient to get support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you - therefore, you might want to seek a private diagnosis instead. Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. He or she might recommend medication or other treatments. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll decide on what to do and send you back to visit your GP. In the majority of instances, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to consider medication. They may be able to refer you back to your GP. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. https://www.openlearning.com/u/alvaradodevine-sj22gq/blog/TheNo1QuestionThatAnyoneWorkingInHowToDiagnoseAdhdShouldBeAbleToAnswer , especially in the NHS are not aware of the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might be biased or not take the symptoms seriously. This makes it more difficult to receive a diagnosis, however perseverance can pay off. You will need a specialist assessment by a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you're experiencing symptoms and why you think they may be caused by ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on you. This could include obtaining old school records and asking your family members to fill out forms regarding your issues in the past. After your clinical assessment you'll be able discuss whether you want to look into alternative medication options. This is usually a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. Or, you may opt to get your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication from a pharmacy. A private diagnosis won't be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). For medication to be obtained through this route, you will require a referral from the NHS and a full assessment of ADHD by a psychiatrist.