How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and the 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 medications for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are insured 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 could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you do not 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 notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. how to diagnose adhd in adults ADHD Diagnosis 'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is particularly crucial when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. It is important to feel comfortable with your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
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 about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications 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 it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer 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 print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes taken 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 time is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
You should also consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request 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 an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women as well as people of color and those who were born female). The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website, which includes template forms that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often helpful if you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains 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, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. If you're a student at a university for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.