How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis of medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze 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 choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
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 an assessment. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are unable to do this in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially if you want to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you, 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 concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Children are said to develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also find out the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. adult adhd diagnosis uk can learn more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. The letter 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 the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied 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 as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for making this request on their website, which includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request for a 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 need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other support could be available. If you're an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.