How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting a long time you can consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. 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 select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for an alternative. It is crucial to be comfortable with your doctor, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In adult adhd diagnosis uk will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (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 give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't get treated. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment you have a legal right select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the 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 find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful when you have a family member or acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.