How to Get Assessed For ADHD As an Adult A person can be diagnosed with ADHD when they have symptoms that last for a long time and are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. The doctor will take into consideration the impact on family members and friends as well. The professional evaluating you may require documents from your childhood to aid them in understanding the issues you've faced. They may also request questionnaires from your relatives and close friends. 1. Book an appointment with Your GP Scheduling an appointment with your GP is the first step in getting diagnosed with ADHD. Your doctor can refer you to a health specialist who is specialized in ADHD assessments for adults. During the interview, your health care professional will ask you questions about your health issues and how they impact your everyday life. They will also ask you about your family history and personal background. It is crucial to be honest in this process especially in cases where your symptoms are creating significant problems for you at work or home. Your health care provider may also request questionnaires for your spouse or other family members to get more insight into your symptoms. Your doctor could also conduct physical and psychological tests. These tests will help them identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression and anxiety. You may also be asked to take a a test that measures your academic performance. People with ADHD may have a difficult remembering details from their childhood, so it is important to bring school reports or other school records to the assessment. You might also be asked to fill out a retrospective ADHD Profile, which entails interviewing someone who has a good understanding of your childhood and its effects on your adult life. This is not an attempt to doubt your honesty, but rather to give more context about your problems. 2. Ask your GP for an appointment with an expert A specialist in ADHD can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. They can guide you on how to manage your symptoms, and improve your quality of life. A doctor may prescribe medication, should you require it. Be honest when you speak with the specialist about your concerns and how they affect your life. They might want to talk with your family or friends, too. They can give you another perspective on your issues and might see things that you've not considered. You may be asked about your childhood. The specialist might require you to bring in report cards from school days and other relevant records. Certain specialists may wish to interview your teachers, parents or other individuals who can give you details on the behavior of your child. Adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to suffer from complications like anxiety and depression. Untreated ADHD can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, which can worsen these conditions. Your mental health professional may recommend a therapist or counselor who is trained in adult ADHD. You can also ask for recommendations from an ADHD support group. You can also seek recommendations from the local hospital of your university or graduate school of psychology. 3. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatrist Ask your family doctor If you have medical insurance for referral to an adult ADHD specialist. You may also seek out a local college that has a graduate program in clinical psychology for a recommendation. You might be required to pay a fee however the evaluation will be closely supervised by a professional. A psychiatrist is a doctor who is specialized in brain disorders and can diagnose and treat you. They can prescribe medications for ADHD and other disorders. They can help you manage your symptoms with counseling and other life skills. They can also assist you find a support group. They can be costly however, they are extremely adept at diagnosing and treating ADHD. You can also talk to a nurse practitioner who is another type healthcare professional that can help with mental health issues. They are commonly referred to as psychiatric mental health nurses and are able to diagnose and treat ADHD. https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-assessments/ may also prescribe medication but they aren't qualified to offer counseling. You can also consult a neurologist. A neurologist is a doctor specializing in the central nervous system and the brain. They can identify comorbidity and determine whether there are other conditions that cause the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety disorder. They can also schedule MRI tests if they are required. 4. Ask your GP to refer you to a psychologist You can ask your GP for an appointment with psychologists, psychiatrists or other mental health professionals that specialize in adult ADHD. It is recommended to find a specialist in your area who is experienced with the condition, but it may take some time. You can ask your friends and family members if they have any specialists in the local area, and you can also search online for doctors who specialize in adult ADHD. You can also reach out to any mental health or wellbeing centre offering ADHD evaluations. They'll probably have the names of specialists who are available. The first step towards being diagnosed with ADHD involves a detailed interview. The interview will examine your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then apply a set of diagnostic criteria to determine if you suffer from ADHD. If they suspect that you are suffering from ADHD, they might refer you to an acupuncturist or a cognitive-behavioural specialist who can prescribe medication. Many universities offer clinical psychology doctoral programs, and they have clinics that provide low-cost or free ADHD evaluations for their graduate students. You'll be evaluated by a student who is closely monitored by a professional, so you can be confident that you're getting the most comprehensive assessment you can get. This is a great option for those who you don't want wait years for an official diagnosis. 5. Ask your GP for a referral to a cognitive behavioural therapist A diagnosis of ADHD requires a thorough examination by a medical professional. This may include a physical exam and an interview to determine how the symptoms impact a person's life. It's also important to determine whether the person suffers from other mental health issues which may have the similar symptoms as ADHD such as depression or anxiety. During the interview the specialist will inquire about their history with mental health and attention issues. The specialist will look at the person's work, school, and family background to determine how they function. It's important that the person being assessed discloses their symptoms. They shouldn't hide their struggles because of shame or embarrassment. To get a diagnosis of ADHD, adults or children must have at least five established ADHD behaviors in the categories of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity for six months or longer. The specialist will also examine whether the symptoms are disruptive to the individual's life or they result in functional impairment. The specialist will also determine if the individual has any other disorders like depression, anxiety disorder or a learning problem. If you're having difficulty receiving an assessment through the NHS or other services, ask your GP to refer you to a cognitive therapy specialist for adult ADHD. Many of the patients who have tried to access the NHS to get an assessment report have experienced lengthy waiting times, therefore an alternative that is private might be worth looking into. 6. Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist in adult ADHD Once you've identified a specialist, speak to them about how their symptoms impact your life and what your goals are. For example, if your ADHD affects your relationships with your friends and colleagues, you may be interested in classes or therapy that focus on communication skills. If you frequently forget appointments or deadlines, be honest with your doctor and discuss the effects these issues have had on your professional and your personal life. It is likely that you will select a doctor who is a psychiatrist, neurologist or psychologist who is specialized in ADHD in adults. You may also be directed to a cognitive behavioural therapist. In addition to conducting a structured interview, the therapist will also ask you to provide specific examples of your symptoms and how they have impacted your life. They will also inquire about your previous experiences especially your childhood. You must have displayed symptoms of ADHD during your childhood in order to be considered a candidate for diagnosis. This part of the evaluation is difficult for many adults with ADHD who don't remember or minimize their symptoms as children. If possible, you should bring the list of your current symptoms as well as any other documents from school or work. This will assist the evaluator determine the most accurate diagnosis. They may also ask your coworkers or supervisors to give them an accurate picture of your behavior. Lastly, they will also look over your medical history to see whether there are any other conditions that may contribute to your ADHD.