How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. adult adhd diagnosis uk is essential to feel comfortable with your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are adhd diagnosis uk adults of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting times 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 worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for making this request on their website, which includes a template form that you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. If you're a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.