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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD If you suspect you or your child could have ADHD the first step is to talk to your GP. They won't diagnose you right away however they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This will be with an audiologist (or psychologist who is located in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll test you for ADHD. They'll also prepare a report that'll aid you in obtaining reasonable adjustments and DSA. 1. Speak with your doctor The first thing you need to do if you or your child is suffering with ADHD is to consult your GP. If they believe you have ADHD they will refer you to an expert if needed. It might be useful to take written notes to this appointment. Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for an assessment of ADHD symptoms. The process should take between 45 to 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, asking about your family history and also asking about any mental health issues you or your family might have experienced in the recent past. You might be asked to fill out several questionnaires. The psychiatrist will decide whether you meet the ADHD criteria and will also discuss with you treatment options. It is important to realize that it can be a challenge for adults to get diagnosed with ADHD as they often have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will usually require evidence to prove that the symptoms are causing you significant impairment – this is often done through old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out other causes for your issues, like depression or anxiety. If you are having difficulty getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worthwhile to consider requesting a private evaluation with one of the numerous services available on the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't understand the science behind ADHD. However, persistence is key. 2. Request a recommendation A clinical diagnosis is needed to receive Disability Living Allowance and other reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant the right to request an NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your GP may ask you to fill out the questionnaire which will be evaluated by a psychiatrist. They may also ask to talk to other professionals who have been around you, such as teachers or healthcare workers. They will look 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 like thyroid issues or depression might be the cause of your symptoms. Your Psychiatrist might discuss possible treatment options with you following the examination. This could include medication, which can be useful for many who have ADHD. If you decide to use medication, your Psychiatrist may recommend you to your GP to discuss the care management. If you don't want to take medication or take medication, you could ask your Psychiatrist to provide an independent evaluation of psychological or occupational therapy. This will aid in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. You may also find it useful to join a group for people suffering from ADHD. They can be very helpful and reassuring. Many people suffering from ADHD find they have to work harder than others to manage their day-to-day lives. This could mean they lack self-esteem and may be unhappy with their lack of success at work or with relationships. They may also feel that people don't get it and can become angry or bitter. There are a variety of ways to seek out help. You can join online groups or go to meetings in person. There are lots of organizations that provide these services. 3. Get a second opinion A second opinion is helpful for many people. This is particularly important in the event that you've been misdiagnosed, or you suffer from a condition like anxiety or depression that may co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists are specialists in diagnosing mental health conditions and can give you an understanding of the issues you're experiencing and how it is affecting your life. It is important that you discuss your medical history thoroughly with a psychiatrist, since this can affect whether you are able to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. You can self-refer or get an GP referral or make an appointment privately with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you decide to self-refer, it's a good idea to gather any supporting documentation you may have before your appointment. Also, take notes about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect various aspects of your daily life. undiagnosed adhd in adults can also ask for copies of your medical records to be provided to the psychiatrist prior to when you see them. A specialist in adult ADHD will provide a detailed assessment of your symptoms. They will look at how they affect your daily functioning and will look for complications, like depression or anxiety. A clinical interview and questionnaires are usually used to establish an assessment. This is followed by a written report. A diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to receive the assistance you require to manage your symptoms, including psychotherapy and medication. It can also open the door to accessing disability-related assistance like Disabled Students' Allowance or reasonable adjustments to school or college. 4. Take a medical assessment If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD and it is affecting your life in a significant way they will recommend a clinical assessment. This is a comprehensive process that involves talking with someone (often, a psychiatrist) and taking out questionnaires and checklists. They may also request to examine your school records, or talk to anyone who knew you well as when you were a child. It's because ADHD is not thought to manifest in adults, and they'll need to confirm your symptoms from your childhood. If you've been referred to an assessment, you'll most likely be given the option of which healthcare provider to see. This is because patients in England have a legal right to choose their own mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. This is referred to as Right to Choose and you will find useful information on how to use it on this page by ADHD UK. You may be able to get an assessment from your university in case you're a student. If they're willing to provide it, their report is sufficient to receive help from reasonable adjustments as well as 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 whether your ADHD symptoms cause you significant impairment. They may recommend medication or other treatments. They will also likely discuss your long-term goals and any other concerns you might have. They'll then make a decision about what to do next and send you back to your GP with plans. In most instances, a doctor will identify ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you'd prefer to take medication. They might also refer you to your GP. 5. Get a diagnosis It can be difficult to get a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Many medical professionals, especially in the NHS do not understand the signs and symptoms that are seen in adults. They might be biased or do not take symptoms seriously. It is sometimes difficult to get a proper diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded. You will need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse, or psychiatrist. They are the only healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose ADHD in the UK. You will need to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and why you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to verify that your symptoms have been recurring for some period of time and are having a significant impact on your life. This could involve getting old school reports and asking family members to fill in the forms detailing how you've been struggling in the past. After your clinical assessment you'll be able to discuss whether you would like to think about alternative medications. Most likely, this will be an agreement for shared-care with your GP where you pay for the medication with an NHS prescription. You can also choose to have your diagnosis done privately, and then purchase the medication from the pharmacy. It's worth noting that a private diagnosis may not necessarily be enough to access reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). For medication to be obtained through this method, you'll require a referral from NHS and a thorough evaluation of ADHD by a psychiatrist.