How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talk. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced 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 an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may 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 will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will be coached on 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 doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose the service. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If adult adhd diagnosis uk are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to making this request on their website, which includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another 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 them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. If you're a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.