How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to feel comfortable with your physician however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It can be challenging to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. adult adhd diagnosis uk will then consider their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. If you are a student at a university, for example, you can request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.