How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor could refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if 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. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may 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 nurse) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. 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, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because 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 specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right of 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 also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly for women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is usually helpful to have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.