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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 won't diagnose you immediately, but they will refer you to a medical assessment. This will take place with psychiatrists (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can also assist you to obtain DSA and reasonable adjustments by writing reports. 1. Speak to your doctor The first thing to do if you or your child suffers with ADHD is to visit your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert. It might be beneficial to bring some written notes along to the appointment. Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess your ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family background and also asking about any mental health issues you or your family members may have experienced in the recent past. You might be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you treatment options. Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to see proof that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This typically involves looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out other possible causes of your problems, such as anxiety or depression. 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 providers available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't understand the scientific basis behind ADHD. But perseverance is key. 2. Ask for a referral A diagnosis from a doctor is required to qualify for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines give you the right to request an NHS funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your doctor might request you to complete an assessment form that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They may also speak to other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health conditions, such as thyroid or depression, could explain your symptoms. After the test the Psychiatrist will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to go with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care. If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist could refer you for an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your life abilities. You may also find it beneficial to join a support group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive. Many people suffering from ADHD find that they need to work harder than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This could mean they are self-conscious and can be unhappy with their lack of success at work or with relationships. They might also feel that people don't understand their situation and may become angry or resentful. There are a variety of ways you can get support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are a lot of organizations that provide these services. 3. Get an opinion from a different source. A second opinion can be beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially important if you've been misdiagnosed or have a condition like anxiety or depression that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychologists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can assist you to determine what's happening to you and how it may be impacting your daily life. It is essential to discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist, as it can impact whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This can be done by self-referring or getting an GP referral or you can make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you choose to self-referral, it is a good idea to gather any information you might have before your appointment, and noting down the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also request that a copy of your records be provided to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough analysis of your symptoms, including the ways they affect your daily functioning and examining any comorbidities that might be present, including anxiety or depression. They typically employ questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to establish a diagnosis which they then follow up with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the help you require to manage your symptoms, such as medication and psychotherapy. It can also open the doors to accessing disability-related assistance, such as Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments to the college or school. 4. Take a clinical exam If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's significantly impacting on your life and your family, they'll recommend an assessment in a clinical setting. This is a comprehensive process that involves speaking to someone (often, a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to review your school records or talk to someone who knew you as when you were a child. This is because ADHD isn't believed to develop in adults, and they will need to confirm your symptoms from childhood. After you've been recommended for an assessment you'll probably be given the option of which healthcare provider to see. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental health providers as well as their local NHS trust. There is a wealth of information on how to use this tool at ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose. If you're a student, you might be able to receive an assessment from your university. If they're willing to do this, then the results should be enough to access assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you, so you may want to seek an individual diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may recommend treatment or other options. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll then decide what to do and refer you back to visit your GP. In most cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion about whether you'd like to think about medications and a recommendation to your GP to make this happen. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand how ADHD manifests in adults. They may be biased against the diagnosis, or not consider the symptoms serious. how to diagnose adhd is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence pays 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 struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they could be related to 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 involve finding old school records and asking family members to fill in forms about your past struggles. After your clinical evaluation You can discuss with your doctor if you'd like to explore medication options. This will usually involve a shared care agreement with your GP which will allow you to be able to pay for the medication using an NHS prescription. Alternatively, you can choose to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication at the pharmacy. It's worth noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily suffice to qualify for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You will require an NHS referral as well as a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of receiving medication through this method.