How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to determine the status. You could also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk 're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for another one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they don't want to do this for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP particularly if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, 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 can listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement that 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 also 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 asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can ease your symptoms. If you are a student at a university for instance, you can request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.