How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an independent service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to get a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. 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, consider searching for another one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your physician however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the medical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student, 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 including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to 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 also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as those born female). adhd diagnosis uk adults -UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to a GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will give reasons, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will 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 could save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance could be available. If you are a student at a university for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.