How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time you can request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If adhd diagnosis uk adults are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for an alternative. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not have to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask adult adhd diagnosis uk
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. 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 conjunction with the interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to do this for any reason it might be worth switching your GP, especially in the event that you plan 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 wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to pick
If you live 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 referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially among women, people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can hand to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will explain why and you may ask for another referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.