How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can 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 gives patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance company to determine the status. You could also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to be comfortable with your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In adhd uk diagnosis can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth changing your GP particularly when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself 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 provide examples and to explain how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. adult adhd diagnosis uk might be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider different options for your medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for making this request on their website that includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often beneficial to have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can ask for an additional referral.
After adult adhd diagnosis uk have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're a university student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.