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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you think you or a child may have ADHD, the first step is to speak to your GP. They can't diagnose you there and then but will likely refer you to an assessment in the clinic. This is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. They'll examine your ADHD. They will also assist you get DSA and make reasonable adjustments by making reports. 1. Talk to your GP The first thing you need to do if you or your child suffers with ADHD is to visit your GP. They will be able determine whether they believe that you are suffering from ADHD and refer you to a specialist when needed. You may find it useful to take written notes during this appointment. Your GP will then recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. This process can 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 have had in the past. You may be asked to fill out some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will talk with you about the options for medication. It's important to realise that it is difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learnt how to mask their symptoms. The psychiatrist will want to establish that your symptoms are causing serious impairment. This is usually done through old school documents or letters from relatives. They'll also need to rule out any other causes for your problems, such as depression or anxiety. If you're having trouble getting an assessment from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation through one of the many providers on offer through the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who aren't aware of the science behind ADHD. But perseverance is key. 2. Ask for a reference A diagnosis from a doctor is required to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and Disability Living Allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your GP may request you to complete an assessment form that will be reviewed by psychiatrists. They might also request to consult with other professionals who have been around you, like teachers or healthcare workers. They will be looking for a pattern that matches the symptoms of ADHD in adults who have been present since childhood. They will also look into whether other health conditions, such as thyroid issues or depression, could explain your symptoms. Your Psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment with you following the assessment. This could include medications that can be beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to go ahead with medication Your Psychiatrist will send you back to your GP to manage shared care. If you don't want to take medication, you could ask your Psychiatrist to provide an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This can aid in managing your symptoms and enhance your the quality of your life. Joining a support group for people who suffer from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very helpful and reassuring. Many people suffering from ADHD have to struggle to make ends meet in their lives. This can cause low self-esteem and anger about their lack of success at work or in relationships. They might also feel they aren't understood by others and become angry or resentful. There are many ways that you can seek help. You can join online groups or meet in person. There are many good organisations that offer these services. 3. Get an opinion from a different source. adhd diagnosis adult uk iampsychiatry.uk can be beneficial for a lot of people. This is especially true in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that could be co-existent with ADHD. Psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can help you discover what's happening to you and how it might be impacting your daily life. It is important to discuss your mental health history with a psychiatrist in detail because it could affect whether you are able to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. This can be done by self-referral or a GP referral, or you can make an appointment privately and schedule an appointment with a specialist for adult ADHD. If you do decide to take the self-referral route, it is recommended to gather any information you have prior to your appointment, as well as making notes about which symptoms you are experiencing and how they are impacting on various aspects of your life. You may also request that a copy of your documents be sent to the psychiatrist prior to your appointment. A specialist in adult ADHD can provide a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, looking at the ways they affect your daily activities and assessing any comorbidities present, like depression or anxiety. A questionnaire and a clinical interview are usually used to determine a diagnosis. This is then followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the help you require to manage your symptoms, such as medication and psychotherapy. It can also help you access disability support such as Disabled Students' Allowance as well as reasonable adjustments in the college or school. 4. Get a clinical evaluation If your GP believes that you may be suffering from ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant way, they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is typically a thorough process which involves talking to someone (often a psychiatrist) about your symptoms, and filling out questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to look over your school records or to talk to anyone who knew you as when you were a child. This is because ADHD isn't thought to develop in adults, and they'll need to confirm your symptoms since childhood. You'll likely have the option of choosing one of the providers after being recommended. This is because patients in England have the legal right to choose their mental health providers and their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you can find helpful information about how to utilize it on this webpage from ADHD UK. If you're a student you might be able to be assessed by your university. If they're willing to provide it the report is sufficient to receive assistance from reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance. They're not in a position to prescribe medication, so you might be able to get an individual diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will determine whether your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. They might recommend medications or other treatments. They'll also likely talk about your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll then decide on what to do and refer you back to see your GP. In the majority of cases a diagnosis of ADHD will be followed by a discussion on whether you want to consider medication options and a referral back to your GP for this to happen. 5. Get a diagnosis It can be difficult to obtain an adult diagnosis of ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand how the condition manifests in adults. They may also be biased towards the diagnosis, or not take the symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Persistence pays off. You'll need to go through a a specialist assessment with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or psychologist. Only these professionals are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will be asked the reasons why you believe the symptoms you are experiencing could be due to ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been recurring for a long period of time and are having an impact on your life. This could include getting old school reports and asking family members to fill out forms about how you have struggled in the past. Following your clinical evaluation You can discuss with your doctor whether you would like to explore different options for your medication. Usually, this will involve an agreement to share care with your GP where you pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also get your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from pharmacies. A private diagnosis will not be sufficient to qualify for reasonable adjustments or the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). To receive medication through this route, you will require a referral from the NHS and a thorough assessment of ADHD by a psychiatrist.