How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you can choose to go through an independent service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is especially important if you are planning to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for a different one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth changing your GP in particular if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will give you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will develop ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional that can listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask 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 select a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to consider different options for your medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with 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 rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis -UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can ask for another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could 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 tool since they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that 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. If you are an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.