How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurer to determine the status. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining 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 may be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement 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 doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to pick
If you live 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 provider. adhd diagnosis uk adults 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 recommended to also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable 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 GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to the GP. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk 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 regular psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and ask for a second referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. adult adhd diagnosis uk 'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through 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 as they could be erroneous. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.