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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you suspect that you or a child may be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you immediately however they will refer you to a medical assessment. This will be done with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll evaluate your ADHD. They can also assist you to receive DSA and other reasonable adjustments by writing a report. 1. Talk to your GP The first thing you should do if you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to visit your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist in the event of need. You may find it helpful to take some written notes during this appointment. Your GP will then send you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation of your ADHD symptoms. The process should take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history and identifying any mental health issues you or your family members may have experienced in the recent past. You might be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you treatment options. It's important to realise that it can be difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD because they have developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will need to see proof that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family members. They'll also have to rule out any other causes for your difficulties, such as anxiety or depression. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may think about an assessment by a private doctor. There are many options available on the Right to Choose site. It can be frustrating to have to deal with GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not aware of the science of ADHD however persistence is key. 2. Ask for a reference A clinical diagnosis is needed to qualify for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your doctor will likely require you to fill out an assessment questionnaire. The results will be assessed by a specialist psychiatrist. They may also speak to other professionals who have worked with you – such as health professionals or teachers. They will be looking for a pattern that is similar to the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also investigate whether other health issues, such as thyroid issues or depression might be the cause of your symptoms. Your Psychiatrist might discuss treatment options with you after the examination. This could include medications that can be beneficial for a lot of people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to share care management. If you do not want to take medication or take medication, you may ask your Psychiatrist an independent assessment of psychological or occupational therapy. This can help to reduce your symptoms and increase your life skills. diagnosed with adhd IamPsychiatry might also find it beneficial to join a support group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring and supportive. Many people who suffer from ADHD have to be more efficient in their daily lives. This can result in 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 feel angry or bitter. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. These services are offered by numerous reputable organizations. 3. Get another opinion A second opinion can be beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially important when you've been misdiagnosed or have a condition like depression or anxiety that could coexist with ADHD. Psychologists are experts in the diagnosis of mental health issues and can offer a clear understanding of what you're going through and how it may be impacting your life. It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist as this can affect whether you meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can self-refer or request an GP referral or make an appointment privately with a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. If you opt to self-refer it's recommended to gather any documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, note down about the symptoms you experience and how they impact different areas of your daily 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 can provide a detailed assessment of your symptoms, examining how they interfere with your daily life and assessing any comorbidities present, such as depression or anxiety. A clinical interview and questionnaires are commonly used to determine a diagnosis. This is then followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can help you get the support you need to manage your symptoms, which includes psychotherapy and medication. It can also open the doors to accessing disability-related assistance like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments at school or college. 4. Go for a clinical assessment If your GP thinks you might have ADHD, and that it is affecting your life in a significant manner they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is a thorough process that involves talking with someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to look over your school records or talk to someone who was familiar with you as a child. This is because it's not thought that ADHD is a condition that develops in adults. They'll have to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood. Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll most likely be given a choice of which provider to see. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is known as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to use it on this webpage from ADHD UK. You might be able get an assessment from your school in case you're a student. If they're happy to do this, then the results should be enough to access support through reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance. However, they won't be able to prescribe medication for you – so you may want to look into getting a private diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will evaluate whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment, and may recommend treatments such as medication or other. They'll likely also talk about your long-term goals as well as any other concerns you may have. They'll then decide what to do next and send you back to visit your GP. In most cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to look into the possibility of medication and a referral back to your GP for this to happen. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS lack understanding of the condition's presentation in adults. They may be biased against an diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. It can be difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Persistence pays off. You will require an assessment by a specialist psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain how you're experiencing symptoms and the reason you believe they might be caused by ADHD. They will want to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant impact on you. This could involve collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in the forms detailing how you've been struggling in the past. Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able decide if you would like to consider medication options. This usually involves an agreement to share care with your GP, where you will pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy. A private diagnosis won't be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this method, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a full assessment of ADHD by psychiatrist.