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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you suspect you or a child may be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They can't diagnose you immediately, but they will likely refer you to a clinical assessment. This will take place with psychiatrists (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess your symptoms for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report that will aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. 1. Speak with your doctor The first thing you should do should you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to visit your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist if necessary. It is advisable to bring some written notes with you to this appointment. Your GP will then refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. This is a process that can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It will involve examining the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and asking about your family history and any other mental health issues you or your family members had in the past. You might be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then determine if you meet the criteria for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you. Adults often conceal their symptoms, making it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will need to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This typically involves looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They'll also need to rule out other reasons for your issues such as anxiety or depression. If you are having difficulty getting an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private evaluation through one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who are ignorant of the science of ADHD, but persistence is key. 2. Ask for a referral A clinical diagnosis is needed to receive Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE guidelines provide a right to request an NHS paid specialist ADHD assessment. Your GP may request you to complete a questionnaire that will be evaluated by psychiatrists. They may also ask to speak to other professionals that have known you, such as healthcare professionals or teachers. They will search for signs that match those of ADHD in adults and that have been present since childhood. They will also consider other health issues like thyroid or depression to determine if they can explain your symptoms. Your Psychiatrist might discuss treatment options with you after the evaluation. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to proceed with medication, your Psychiatrist will refer you to your GP to manage shared care. If you're not ready to take medication, your Psychiatrist can suggest an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can help to reduce your symptoms and increase your life abilities. Joining a group of people who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be reassuring and uplifting. Many people with ADHD need to be more efficient in their daily lives. This can mean that they lack self-esteem and may be unhappy with their inability to succeed at work or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand their situation and feel angry or bitter. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations. 3. Get another opinion A second opinion can be beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or have a condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health disorders and can offer an understanding of the issues you are going through and how it is affecting your life. It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth, as it can influence whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can self-refer or obtain an GP referral or make an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD. If you opt to self-refer it's recommended that you gather any supporting documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect different areas of your daily life. You may also request the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. A specialist in adult ADHD will give a thorough analysis of your symptoms. They will examine the way they impact your daily activities, and look for any comorbidities, such as depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to establish a diagnosis which they will then follow with a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the support you need to manage your symptoms, such as medication and psychotherapy. It also opens the door to obtaining disability assistance like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at the college or school. 4. Take a clinical exam If your GP believes that you have ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant way they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is typically a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They might also request to examine your school records, or speak to anyone who knew you well as an infant. It's because ADHD isn't believed to develop in adults, and they will need to confirm your symptoms since the age of a child. After you've been recommended for an assessment, you'll most likely be given the option of which 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. You can get useful information about how to use this tool on ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose. You may be able to get an assessment from your school if you are studying there. If they're willing to allow this, then the report will be sufficient to get assistance with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Student' Allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you – therefore, you might want to look into getting an individual diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment, and may recommend medication or other therapies. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals as well as any other concerns that you might have. Then they'll make a decision about what to do next and will refer you back to your GP with an action plan. In ADHD Diagnosis , a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you want to consider medication options and a referral back to your GP for this to happen. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how ADHD manifests in adults. They may be biased or not take symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence will pay off. You will need an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. Only these experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to describe the reasons why you believe the symptoms you're experiencing could be due to ADHD. They will want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant effect on your. This could mean getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in reports on how you've been struggling in the past. After your clinical evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to explore the possibility of taking medication. This usually involves an agreement to share care with your GP, where you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You may also opt to have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from pharmacies. A private diagnosis will not be enough to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the 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.