How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you can choose to go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to be able to trust your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to utilize your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who will listen and understand your condition.
Right to Pick
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 be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for 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 that you know the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give 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 a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of 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 help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. adhd diagnosis uk adults may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women, people of color and those born female). The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often helpful when you have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can save you money over time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options that can ease your symptoms. For adhd diagnosis uk adults , if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.