How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will require evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician however, you should not settle for less.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to do this for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP, especially in the event that you plan 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 before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications 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 the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Children are said to develop ADHD. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". adhd diagnosis uk adults that a 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 to learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. adhd uk diagnosis -UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful when you have family members or a acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.