How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for a different one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to do this in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP, especially if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out 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 consents to send you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able 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 before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have 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. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting 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 asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to doing this on their website that includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth 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 different contexts and settings. It is usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.