So you think you have ADHD?
The first step to figuring out if you have ADHD is to read more about ADHD here. You can then complete a self screening test. This will help you will approaching your GP.
One that is easy to use is the one on the ADHD UK website. Just click the button below.
This will give you an indication of whether your instincts are right.
It is worth taking the time to write down all the things that you struggle with, as well as the things you remember from your childhood that would give indications of ADHD too.
So if/when you decide to book an appointment with your GP, you will have all the information you need at the ready.
Do you really need an ADHD diagnosis?
It is worth taking some time to ask yourself the question: why do I want an ADHD diagnosis?
This will help you to choose the right pathway for yourself.
For most people, having a diagnosis help to come to terms with the fact they have ADHD. It can also unlock support at work or in your studies. But the next step is also to reflect on whether or not you will want medication, as again this will help to choose the right pathway and provider to Diagnose you.
Should I go private to get my ADHD Diagnosis?
You will need to make an appointment with your GP and discuss: Why you think you have ADHD but also how it is affecting your mental health and any other concerns you have.
Waiting lists on the NHS can sometimes be long, but the assessment as well as medication will all be under NHS and therefore free (only costs will be the normal prescription rate).
As an NHS patient in England, you also have the freedom to select both your mental healthcare provider and the specific team that will assist you.
Private pathway
Private providers offer diagnosis with hardly any wait which can be a great option if you want an answer quickly.
Check how they conduct their assessments, their prices but also what support they offer after.
Make sure your GP would be happy to take over shared care for medication if you wish to follow that route.
Unfortunately many Gps now refuse Shared care which would leave you to pay for your medication (£150-200/month).
How to find the best Right to choose provider
What happens after Diagnosis?
titration: MEdication trial for ADHD
If you wish to have medication, you will start Titration. This means a process to try and find the right medication at the right dosage.
You will have a nurse or prescriber that will follow you. It is important to tell them of any side effects and how you feel with the medication. There are different options, so don’t despair if the first you try doesn’t work as well as you hoped.
If you choose NOT to have medication or together with meds, you can already make changes in your life to understand how your brain works and help regulate your nervous system.
You can work with an ADHD coach privately or apply for an Access to Work grant to pay for Coaching.
Do not hesitate to get in touch, I am always happy to have a chat about how Coaching can help but also how to access funding through an Access to work Grant.
Between the time I suspected I might have ADHD and I seeked out a diagnosis…it took a few years.
I needed time to process, to accept but also to research and choose how to go about it. We all have our own journey.
The diagnosis itself is not the only things that can bring you acceptance and support.
Here is my story:
The ADHD waiting list is more than a year....how will I cope?
I know it can feel disheartening when you look at the waiting lists and it might feel like you want medication NOW.
This is likely because you are overwhelmed, fed up to battle with your brain everyday and burnt out.
First, you might be able to go through a right to choose provider that has shorter waiting lists.
But you can also make changes in your life to look after your nervous system. This in itself can make a big difference: using a weighted blanket, doing relaxations, doing mind body practices like yoga, dancing….
Join one of my webinars or book a free call with me to get some pointers or book some coaching sessions and I will help you design the support you need.
FREE resources to calm the ADHD mind & soothe the nervous system
Below you will find links to many resources that will help you to start making a difference in your life. Caming your ADHD mind and shooting your Nervous system.
