How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting an extended period you can consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are insured, 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 online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for a private service. Make sure how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. adhd uk diagnosis 'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. adhd uk diagnosis is essential to be able to trust your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can utilize your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about 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 as well as the interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred 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 refuse to do this for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP particularly if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you're a student at a university your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement that a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, 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 cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are typically 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 should prepare for this interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide support.
You should also consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main 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. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and request an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other options to help ease your symptoms. If you are a student at a university, for example you may request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.