How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have much hands-on experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for an alternative. It is essential to feel comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worth changing your GP particularly if you want to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor 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 are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement for a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may use your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially for women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to your GP. On diagnose adhd , they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.