How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for a long time you can consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You may 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 can choose a private provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing 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. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out a different one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating 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, you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make 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 grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and understand your get more info condition.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right of 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 recommended that you also find out the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with 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 another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to 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 an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website which includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often beneficial to have a family member or friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why and request a second referral.
Once you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can receive an assessment from your university. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.