How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is particularly crucial when you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out another one. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments 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 receive a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing 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 from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Children are said to develop ADHD. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choice". adult adhd diagnosis uk is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to the GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can request another referral.
After you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you money over time.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students allowance.