How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting a long time you can ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much hands-on experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you are planning to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out a different one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will review 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 offers a list providers, and you can use your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth changing your GP particularly when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. Iam Psychiatry is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also know the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly for women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a helpful guide to doing this on their website, which includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is usually helpful if you have family members or a acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will inform them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other support available that can ease your symptoms. If you're a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.