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 an extended period you can request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to find out. You could also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called 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 recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to get 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 print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
You should also consult your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can request an individual assessment 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 particularly among women or people of color, as well as those born female). The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for making this request on their website which includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over time.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.