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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD the first step is to speak to your GP. They aren't able to diagnose you there and then but will likely refer you to a clinical assessment. This will be done with an audiologist (or psychologist who is located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll assess your symptoms for ADHD. They can also help you get DSA and reasonable adjustments by making a report. 1. Speak to your doctor The first thing to do when you suspect that your child is suffering with ADHD is to consult your GP. If they suspect that you suffer from ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. It may be helpful to take some written notes during 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 to 90 minutes. It involves examining the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family background, and asking about any mental health issues you or your family members may have had in the recent past. You may be asked to complete several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you. Adults often mask their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD. The psychiatrist will need to verify that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done by looking through old school records or letters from family. www.adhddiagnosis.top will also need you to rule out any other possible causes of your problems, such as depression or anxiety. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private assessment with one of the numerous 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 are not aware of the science of ADHD, but perseverance is essential. 2. Ask for a referral A diagnosis from a doctor is required to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your doctor might ask you to fill out the questionnaire which will be assessed by psychiatrists. They might also speak to other professionals who have worked with you – such as teachers or health workers. They will search for a pattern of symptoms that match those of ADHD in adults and have been present since childhood. They will also examine other health issues like depression or thyroid issues to determine if they might explain your symptoms. After the test the Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This could include medication, which is useful for many who suffer from ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to share the management of your care. If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist can recommend an independent psychological or occupational therapy assessment. This can help to manage your symptoms and enhance your life skills. Joining a support group for people with ADHD could be beneficial. They can be very helpful and reassuring. Many people with ADHD discover that they must work harder than others to live their daily lives. This can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and frustration over their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel people don't understand their situation and feel angry or resentful. There are many ways you can seek help. You can attend online meetings or join online groups. There are lots of organizations that provide these services. 3. Get an opinion from a different source. For a lot of people, having a second opinion is extremely beneficial. This is especially important if you have been misdiagnosed or if you have a condition like anxiety or depression that can co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health disorders. They can assist you to determine what's happening to you and how it might be affecting your daily life. It is essential to discuss your mental health history in detail with a psychiatrist, as this will determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. This can be done by self-referring or getting an GP referral or go private and book an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD. If you decide to self-refer it's recommended that you gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you experience and how they impact different areas of your daily life. You may also request an official copy of your medical records to be sent to the psychiatrist before you see them. A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, looking at how they impact your daily life and assessing any comorbidities present, including anxiety or depression. They typically employ questionnaires and a clinical interview to determine a diagnosis, which they will then follow up with a formal letter. A diagnosis of ADHD may help you receive the support you need including medication and psychotherapy, to help manage your symptoms. It could also open the doors to obtaining disability assistance like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments in college or at school. 4. Get a clinical evaluation If your GP agrees that you might have ADHD and that it's affecting your life and your family, they'll recommend a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy procedure that involves speaking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to examine your school records or to talk to anyone who knows you 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 have been present since childhood. If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll 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 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 if you are a student. If they're willing to do so the results will be enough to qualify for assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you – therefore, you may need to look into getting an independent diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment and may recommend treatment or other options. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you may have. They'll then make a decision about what to do next and return you to your GP with an action plan. In most cases, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd like to think about taking medication. They may also refer you back to your GP. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. A lot of medical professionals, particularly in the NHS do not understand the condition's presentation in adults. They could be biased or not take symptoms seriously. This makes 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. They are the only healthcare professionals to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you're experiencing symptoms and why you think they could be related to ADHD. They will be interested to know that your symptoms are long-lasting and have a significant impact on you. This could include obtaining old school reports, and asking family members to fill out the forms detailing how you've suffered in the past. After your assessment, you will be able to discuss whether you want to look into alternative medication options. Usually, this will involve an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You may also opt to get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from pharmacies. It's important to note that a private diagnosis may not necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). To get medication via this method, you'll require a referral from the NHS and a thorough evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.