How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for 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 insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for a different one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your doctor can recommend 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 different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. adhd uk diagnosis is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, since the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get 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 get rid of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need to 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 print and send to your GP. The letter 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.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to consider different options for your medication. adhd uk diagnosis may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to a GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. adhd uk diagnosis will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often beneficial when you have a family member or acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you have the right criteria 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 ask for a second referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can save you money over time.
It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.