How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting an extended period you can ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt for an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at 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. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP in particular if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called 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 learn about the waiting times for the service 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 in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give 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 doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to look into medication options for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. visit website include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for doing this on their website that includes template forms that you can give to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is usually helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain 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 an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.
