How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurer to find out. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to feel 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 involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing 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 to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to Choose
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). adhd diagnose is recommended that you find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
You should also consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women, people of color and women born to females). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to doing this on their website which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why and ask for an additional referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need 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 the course of time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via 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 possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. If you're a student at a university, for example, you can request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.