How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will require evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
adult adhd diagnosis uk can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make 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 can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to select the provider you want to be referred 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 find out the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to 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 cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is 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 go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, 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 might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. Most of them provide 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 organized interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and ask for an additional referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. If you are an undergraduate student for instance you may request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.