How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. You could also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through an individual provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk Iam Psychiatry have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much hands-on experience with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request in any way, it could be worth changing your GP in particular if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that 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 to learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat 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 growing issue particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to 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 functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often helpful if you have family members or a friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may ask for a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. If you are a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.