How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurer to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private provider. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your doctor could recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist 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 know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should 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. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your check here current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to support.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for making this request on their website which includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why, and you can request another referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared care agreement 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 could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.