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 grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and your 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 are covered by health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurer to determine the status. 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 can choose a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for an alternative. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements 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 provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can hand to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe that 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 tell you why and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. adhd diagnosis adults uk might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. 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 might be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.