How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They 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, contact your insurance company to determine the status. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at 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. You can pick from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and understand your situation.
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 the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. 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 recommended to also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, 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 a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
You should also ask your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. diagnosed with adhd of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for doing this on their website which includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask for a referral.
Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.