How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial when you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. diagnosis for adhd in adults should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth changing your GP particularly when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will provide you with treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the service. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement for a provider to be able provide 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 of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when 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 those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is usually helpful if you have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may ask for a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support may be available. If you are a university student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.