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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you think you or your child might have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you right away however they will recommend a clinical assessment. This will take place with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess you for ADHD. They can also write an assessment report to help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. 1. Talk to your GP The first thing to do should you or your child has a problem with ADHD is to consult your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you are suffering from ADHD and will refer you to a specialist if necessary. You may find it useful to take written 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 between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history and identifying any mental health issues you or your family may have had in the recent past. You may be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine if you fit the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you the options for medication. Adults often hide their symptoms, making it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will want to verify that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done through old school records or letters from family members. They will also need to rule out any other causes for your problems like anxiety or depression. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may be interested in an assessment by a private doctor. There are a number of options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are ignorant of the science behind ADHD however perseverance is essential. 2. Request a recommendation A clinical diagnosis is required to qualify for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your GP will likely ask you to complete the questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a specialist psychiatrist. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have been around you, for example, teachers or healthcare workers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to ADHD in adults and have been present since the age of. They will also examine other health issues like depression or thyroid issues to determine if they might be the cause of your symptoms. After the assessment the Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medication, which can be helpful for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to discuss the management of your care. If you don't want to take medication, you can ask your Psychiatrist for an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This will help you manage your symptoms and improve your life skills. You may also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be very helpful and comforting. Many people who suffer from ADHD have to be more efficient in their lives. This could mean they lack self-esteem and can feel dissatisfied with their lack of success at work or in relationships. They can also feel that others don't understand them and may be angry or resentful. There are many ways you can seek help. You can join online groups or meet in person. These services are provided by a variety of reputable organizations. 3. Get how to get adhd diagnosed uk For a lot of people, having an additional opinion can be very helpful. This is especially true when you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as anxiety or depression that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can assist you to determine what's happening to you and how it might be impacting your daily life. It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist, as this can affect whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer, request an GP referral or book an appointment privately with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. If you decide to self-referral it is recommended to gather any relevant information you have prior to your appointment, as well as making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on various aspects of your life. You may also request a copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist before you see them. A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, including how they impact your daily activities and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, like anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are commonly used to arrive at a diagnosis. This is then followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the help you require to manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medication. It can also assist you to access support for disabled people, such as Disabled Student's Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in school or college. 4. Do a clinical examination 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 thorough process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also want to review your school records, or talk to someone who was familiar with you as when you were a child. This is because it's 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 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. You can find useful information on how to utilize this tool from ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose. You may be able to obtain an assessment from your university in case you're an undergraduate student. If they're willing to take the initiative, their report will be enough to qualify for assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They won't be in a position to prescribe medications, so you might think about obtaining an independent diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing you significant impairment and may suggest treatments such as medication or other. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you might have. Then they'll make a decision about what to do next and return you to your GP with a plan. In the majority of cases, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to think about taking medication. They might also refer you back to your GP. 5. Get a diagnosis It isn't easy to obtain an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS are not aware of how the condition manifests in adults. They may be biased or do not take the symptoms seriously. This can make it more difficult to get a diagnosis, but persistence can pay off. You'll need to undergo a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked to explain the reasons why you believe the symptoms you're experiencing could be due to ADHD. They will be interested to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on you. This could include getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out the forms detailing how you've suffered in the past. After your clinical assessment After your evaluation, you can discuss with your doctor whether you'd like to investigate the possibility of taking medication. Typically, this will require an agreement to share care with your GP which allows you to pay for the medication via an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from the pharmacy. A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral as well as a full assessment by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of obtaining medication through this method.