How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP, especially when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will focus 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 areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These 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 continued care. If you are a student then 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 do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be challenging to find a professional that can listen and understand your condition.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes 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 you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will inform you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will explain why, and you can ask for another referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could save you money over time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that 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. If you're an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments get more info and the Disabled Students' Allowance.