How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason it might be worth switching your GP particularly if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If adhd uk diagnosis are an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order 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, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose which provider to refer you to. This is known 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 that you know the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If helpful site are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. 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 must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
You should also ask your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially for women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for doing this on their website which includes a template form that you can give to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and request a second referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the route of 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 time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is important that you receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. If you're a university student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.