How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. It is important to be comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. 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 the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred 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 decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose the service. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the chosen provider has 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 provider you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. adhd diagnostic can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women as well as people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may ask for an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.