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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD Talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They can't diagnose you there and then but will likely refer you to an assessment of your clinical needs. This will be with an audiologist (or psychologist, in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales) and they'll evaluate your symptoms for ADHD. They can also write an assessment report to help you access reasonable adjustments and DSA. 1. Talk to your doctor If you or your child has a problem with ADHD the first step is to consult your GP. If they suspect you may have ADHD, they will refer you to an expert if needed. It is advisable to bring a few notes with you to this appointment. Your GP will then recommend you to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your ADHD symptoms. The process can take between 45 and 90 minutes. It involves reviewing the ADHD diagnostic criteria, requesting information about your family history and also asking about any mental health issues that you or your family members may have experienced in the past. You might be asked to complete some questionnaires. The psychiatrist will then decide whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and will also discuss treatment options with you. It is crucial to recognize that it can be difficult for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD because they have learned to hide their symptoms. The psychiatrist will usually want to see evidence that the symptoms are causing significant impairment – this typically involves old school reports or letters from family members. They'll also want to rule out any other possible causes for your symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. If you're having trouble getting a diagnosis from your NHS GP, it is worth seeking a personal assessment through one of the many providers available through the Right to Choose website. It can be frustrating dealing with GPs who don't know the scientific basis behind ADHD. But perseverance is the key to success. 2. Ask for a reference A clinical diagnosis is needed to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance and reasonable adjustments. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland NICE Guidelines grant a right to request a NHS-funded specialist ADHD assessment. Your doctor might ask you to fill out the questionnaire which will be assessed by psychiatrists. They may also want to speak to other professionals who have been around you – such as teachers or health workers. They will look for a pattern of symptoms that are similar to ADHD in adults and that have been present since childhood. They will also consider whether other health conditions, such as depression or thyroid problems might be the cause of your symptoms. After the test the Psychiatrist will talk to you about the treatment options available. This might include medication, which can be helpful for many people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you to your GP to share the care management. If you're not keen to take medication, your Psychiatrist may refer you for an independent occupational or psychological therapy assessment. This can assist you in managing your symptoms and develop life skills. Joining a support group for people suffering from ADHD can be helpful. They can be reassuring as well as supportive. Many people with ADHD need to be more efficient in their lives. This can mean that they have low self-esteem and can be dissatisfied with their inability to succeed at work or with relationships. They may also feel that others don't understand them and can become angry or bitter. There are many ways that you can seek support. You can take part in online meetings or join online groups. There are many good organisations that offer these services. 3. Get a second opinion A second opinion is beneficial for a variety of people. This is especially true if you've been misdiagnosed or suffer from a condition such as depression or anxiety that could co-exist with ADHD. Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing mental health conditions. They can help you understand what is happening to you and how it could be impacting your daily life. It is important to discuss your mental history with a psychiatrist in depth in order to determine whether you meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria. You can do this either by self-referring or getting an GP referral, or you can make an appointment with a private doctor and schedule an appointment with a specialist in adult ADHD. If you choose to self-refer it's recommended to gather any supporting documents you might have prior to your appointment. Also, make notes about the symptoms you experience and how they impact 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 detailed assessment of your symptoms, looking at how they interfere with your daily life and looking at any comorbidities that may be present, like anxiety or depression. A clinical interview and questionnaires are commonly used to establish an assessment. This is followed up by a letter. A diagnosis of ADHD can allow you to access the support you need to manage your symptoms, which includes psychotherapy and medication. It can also open the doors to accessing disability support like Disabled Students allowance or reasonable adjustments to college or at school. 4. Get a clinical evaluation If your GP thinks you might be suffering from ADHD and believes that it affects your life in a significant way, they will refer you to a clinical assessment. This is a lengthy procedure that involves speaking with someone (often a psychiatrist) and answering questionnaires and checklists. They may also ask to examine your school records or talk to anyone who knows you as 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. If you've been referred to an assessment you'll probably be given a choice of the provider you'd like to visit. Patients in England have the legal right of choosing their mental healthcare providers as well as their local NHS trust. You can get useful information about how to use this tool at ADHD UK. It is called Right to Choose. iampsychiatry.uk may be able to get an assessment from your school if you are a student. If they're happy to do this, then the results should be enough to qualify for support through reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance. However they won't be in a position to prescribe medication for you – so you may want to seek an individual diagnosis instead. Your psychiatrist will assess whether your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment, and may recommend medication or other therapies. They will also likely discuss your long-term goal and any other concerns you might have. They'll then decide what to do and send you back to see your GP. In most cases, a doctor will diagnose ADHD and then discuss with you whether or not you would like to think about taking medication. They may be able to refer you back to your GP. 5. Get a diagnosis Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis. 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 get a proper diagnosis. Persistence is rewarded. You'll need an expert assessment from a psychologist, specialist nurse or psychiatrist. Only these healthcare professionals can diagnose ADHD in the UK. You'll have to explain why you are struggling with the symptoms and the reason you believe they may be caused by ADHD. They will want to confirm that your symptoms have been going on for an extended period of time and have a significant impact on your life. This could involve getting old school records or asking family members to fill in forms regarding your struggles in the past. Following your clinical assessment, you'll be able discuss whether you want to look into alternative medication options. This will usually involve an agreement to share care with your GP, where you will pay for the medication through an NHS prescription. You can also make your diagnosis privately, and then purchase the medication from a pharmacy. It's worth noting that a private diagnosis won't necessarily qualify you for reasonable adjustments or Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). You'll need an NHS referral and a full evaluation by an ADHD specialist psychiatrist to stand the best chance of obtaining medication through this method.