How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using 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 medications for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You may also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you are planning to begin taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist 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 GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
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 have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
You should also consult your GP to look into different options for your medication. 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 and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women as well as people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of click here your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will explain why and request another referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance could be available. If you are a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.