How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. adhd diagnosis in adults uk can also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you can choose 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 ideas about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to establish a diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine 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 different options for your medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to the GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain why and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.