How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients the right to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can 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 could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worth changing your GP in particular when you intend to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If get diagnosed with adhd www.adhddiagnosis.top does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student at a university your doctor might suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable 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, that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose the service. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to support.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among 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 which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is usually helpful when you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons, and you can request another referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could save you money over time.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.