How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting a long time you can ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use an independent service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis of medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is particularly important when you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish 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 to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth changing your GP, especially in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment 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 medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right select the provider you want to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also find out the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to remember that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to 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 the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website, which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
adult adhd diagnosis uk will usually be slightly longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
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 think you're in the right category, they will give reasons and request a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.