How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can choose to go through a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for another one. It is important to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also find out the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to remember that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able 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 from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to help you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for making this request on their website that includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often helpful if you have family members or a friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that get more info a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.