How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to determine the status. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is particularly important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request for any reason it might be worth switching your GP in particular in the event that you plan to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. 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 grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to consider medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women, people of color and those who were born female). The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to making this request on their website that includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations. adhd diagnosis uk adults is a good idea to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can save you money over time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other support available that can help with your symptoms. If you're a student at a university, for example you could request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.