How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly crucial when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to be able to trust your physician, but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire and 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 requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, since the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to 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 get rid of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right of 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 also recommended that you know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to remember that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has 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 assistance.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is usually check here helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. If you're a student at a university, for example you may request an assessment. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.