How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting an extended period you can consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you have health insurance the cost of a 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 to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This can be a problem when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to feel comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for less.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they don't want to do this for any reason it might be worth changing your GP particularly if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to Choose
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 a right to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for a provider to be able to offer 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 by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor 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 make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women as well as people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can hand to the GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often beneficial when you have a family member or friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. If you are a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.