How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use an independent service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can make it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper 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 evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve an 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 in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is made your doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your past experiences with 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 family member to support you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women as well as people of color and those who were born female). The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for making this request on their website, which includes templates for forms you can provide 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 typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once adhd diagnosis uk adults have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is essential to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance could be available. If you're a student at a university, for example you could request an assessment. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.