How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting for a long time you can request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. You can also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
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, think about searching for an alternative. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are how to get an adhd diagnosis uk of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to pick
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 a right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women as well as people of color and those born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for taking this step on their website that includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. This will cover various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is usually helpful if you have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you money over time.
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. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.