How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also request 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 select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not 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 locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is especially important if you are planning to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing 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 difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the service. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download an email 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 this 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 may use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It 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 may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral 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 might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for doing this on their website, which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will give reasons and you may request another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. adhd uk diagnosis can help you save money over the course of time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is essential to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.