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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to diagnose you right away, but they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This will be with psychiatrists (or psychologist or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They'll also prepare an assessment report to assist you in making reasonable adjustments and DSA. 1. Speak with your doctor The first thing you should do should you or your child suffers with ADHD is to consult your GP. They will be able to assess whether they think that you have ADHD and refer you to a specialist when needed. It may be helpful to bring a few notes with you to this appointment. Your GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process will take between 45 and 90 minutes and involves checking the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, as well as asking about your family history and any other mental health issues you or your family members have been through in the past. You may be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and will discuss medication options with you. Adults often conceal their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize ADHD. The psychiatrist will need to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school documents or letters from relatives. They'll also have to rule out other reasons for your difficulties like depression or anxiety. If you are having difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth considering seeking a private assessment through one of the many services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be a hassle to have to deal with GPs and psychologists as well as nurses who don't know the science of ADHD, but persistence is key. 2. Request a recommendation A medical diagnosis is required to qualify for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines provide a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your doctor might ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will be assessed by a psychiatrist. They may also want to consult with other professionals who have known you – for example, health professionals or teachers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD in adults and have been present since the age of. They will also consider whether other health conditions like depression or thyroid problems might be the cause of your symptoms. Your Psychiatrist might discuss possible treatment options with you following the examination. This might include medication which could be beneficial 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, your Psychiatrist could suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will help you manage your symptoms and improve life skills. You may also find it useful to join a support group for people with ADHD. They can be reassuring and uplifting. Many people who suffer from ADHD have to work harder to get by in their lives. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration with their lack of accomplishment at work or in relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand them and may be angry or resentful. However, there are many ways to seek out assistance. You can join online groups or meet in person. There are many good organisations that offer these services. 3. Get a second opinion A second opinion can be helpful for many people. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or you have a medical condition such as depression or anxiety which could co-exist alongside ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis of mental health issues and can offer an accurate understanding of what you are going through and how it may be affecting your life. It is important that you discuss your mental health history in depth with a psychiatrist as this can affect whether you are able to meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. You can do this by self-referring or obtaining a GP referral, or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD. If you decide to self-refer, it's a good idea that you gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, note down about the symptoms you experience and how they impact various aspects of your daily life. adhd adults diagnosis can also request that the documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, including the ways they affect your daily activities and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, such as depression or anxiety. They will usually use questionnaires and a consultation with a doctor to reach a diagnosis, which they then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the support you need to manage your symptoms, such as psychotherapy and medication. It also opens the door to obtaining disability assistance, such as Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to college or at school. 4. Get a clinical evaluation If your GP believes that you have ADHD, and that it affects your life in a significant manner they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive procedure that involves speaking with someone (often psychiatrists) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They might also need to look over your school records, or talk to someone who knew you as when you were a child. This is because it's believed that ADHD develops in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms have been present since childhood. You'll likely have the choice of selecting the provider after you've been recommended. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers and their local NHS trust. You can get useful information on how to use this tool from ADHD UK. It is known as Right to Choose. You might be able get an assessment from your university in case you're studying there. If they are willing to provide it, their report will be enough to qualify for support from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They won't be in the position to prescribe medication, so you might think about obtaining an individual diagnosis instead. Your doctor will determine if your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may suggest medication or other therapies. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns that you may have. They'll then decide on what to do next and send you back to see your GP. In the majority of cases, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd prefer to take medication. They may also refer you 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 the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They may be biased or don't take symptoms seriously. This makes it more difficult to get a diagnosis, however perseverance can pay off. You'll need to go through a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain why you're experiencing symptoms and the reason you believe they could be related to ADHD. They'll want to know that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant effect on your. This could mean collecting old school records, and asking family members to fill in forms about how you have suffered in the past. After your assessment, you will be able to decide if you would like to consider medication options. Usually, this will involve a shared-care agreement with your GP that allows you to pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also opt to receive your diagnosis privately and purchase the medication through pharmacies. It's worth noting that a private diagnosis may not necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this route, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a complete evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.