How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to establish a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP 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 can make it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and understand your condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose the service. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. adult adhd diagnosis uk www.iampsychiatry.uk will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. If you are a university student, for example you could request an assessment. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.