How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find adhd diagnosis uk adults are specialists in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private service. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to feel comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the medical 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've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain 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 who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that 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 can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and understand your condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the selected 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 of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is 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 a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and bring a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is usually helpful to have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will explain why, and you can request an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is essential to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.