How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use an individual service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out a different one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. adult adhd diagnosis uk offers a list providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. 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 may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to send 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 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 find out about 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 worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the 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 request a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women or people of color, as well as those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.