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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They won't diagnose you right away however they will recommend a clinical assessment. This will be with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate you for ADHD. They will also assist you obtain DSA and other reasonable adjustments by making reports. 1. Talk to your GP If you or your child have a problem with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the first step is to see your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD and they recommend you to an expert. It is advisable to bring a few notes along to the appointment. Your GP will then refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an evaluation of ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family background and also asking about any mental health issues you or your family might have experienced in the past. You might be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will discuss with you medication options. It's important to realise that it can be a challenge for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD as they often have developed strategies to disguise their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to see proof that your symptoms are causing significant impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family. They will also need to rule out any other causes for your difficulties, such as depression or anxiety. If you are having difficulty finding a diagnosis through your NHS GP, you may think about a private assessment. There are a number of providers on the Right to Choose site. It can be difficult dealing with GPs who aren't aware of the science behind ADHD. But persistence is essential. 2. Request a recommendation A medical diagnosis is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and other 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 ask you to fill out a questionnaire that will be assessed by psychiatrists. They may also ask to consult with other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or healthcare workers. They will look for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults that have been present since childhood. They will also look into whether other health issues like depression or thyroid problems may be causing your symptoms. After the evaluation the Psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment options. This could include medications which could be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to go with medication your Psychiatrist will refer you back to your GP for shared care management. If you don't want to take medication, your Psychiatrist may suggest an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This will aid in managing your symptoms and enhance your life skills. You may also find it useful to join a group for those suffering from ADHD. They can be reassuring as well as supportive. Many people suffering from ADHD need to be more efficient in their lives. This could mean they are self-conscious and can feel frustrated by their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel people don't understand their situation and may become angry or bitter. There are many ways you can seek support. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. These services are provided by numerous reputable organizations. 3. Get another opinion For a lot of people, having a second opinion can be very helpful. This is especially important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or have a medical condition like depression or anxiety that could coexist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis of mental health disorders and can give you an understanding of the issues you're experiencing and how it may be affecting your life. It is important that you discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, since this will determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can either self-refer or request an GP referral or book an appointment privately with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you decide to self-referral, it is recommended to gather any relevant information you have prior to your appointment, and taking notes of the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact on different aspects of your life. You can also ask for an official copy of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to when you visit them. A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, looking at the ways they affect your daily life and examining any comorbidities that might be present, including depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are commonly used to determine a diagnosis. The diagnosis is followed by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need including medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It can also open the door to accessing disability support like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments to the college or school. 4. Go for a clinical assessment If your GP believes that you be suffering from ADHD and believes that it is affecting your life in a significant manner they will recommend a clinical assessment. It's usually a extensive process that involves speaking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms and filling in questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to look over your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you well as an infant. This is because it's not thought that ADHD can develop in adults and they'll need to confirm that your symptoms were present from childhood. Once you've been referred for an assessment, you'll most likely be offered a choice of which healthcare provider to see. Patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental healthcare providers, and also their local NHS trust. You can get useful information on how to use this tool from ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose. If you're a student, you may be able to get an assessment through your university. If they're willing to do this, then their report should be enough to access assistance through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance. They're not in the position to prescribe medication, so you might think about obtaining an independent diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment, and may recommend medication or other therapies. They'll likely also discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll decide on what to do next and send you back to see your GP. In the majority of cases the diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion of whether you'd like to think about medications and a referral to your GP to discuss this. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD can be difficult diagnose. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They might be biased or don't take the symptoms seriously. This can make it harder to obtain a diagnosis, however perseverance can pay off. You'll need to undergo a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, nurse specialist or psychologist. Only these healthcare experts can diagnose ADHD in the UK. I Am Psychiatry will be asked to describe your reasons for believing that the symptoms you're experiencing might be related to ADHD. They will be interested in knowing that your symptoms last for a long time and have a significant impact on your. This could include getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in forms about how you have been struggling in the past. After your clinical assessment you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. Typically, this will require an agreement to share care with your GP where you pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also choose to make your diagnosis privately and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy. A private diagnosis will not suffice to be eligible for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral as well as a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of obtaining medication through this method.