How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting a long time you can ask 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 meeting to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can also offer talk therapy. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
Once adult adhd diagnosis uk find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review 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. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP in particular if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. 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 may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to choose
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist 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 could use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your history with 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 and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among women as well as people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to your GP. They also 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 typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often beneficial to have a family member or acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). 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 then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.