How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for for a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. It is essential 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 clinical assessment. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In adhd uk diagnosis would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. adhd uk diagnosis could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid 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 agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement that 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 before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your 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 a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to the GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can ask for an additional referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.