How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP 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 healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will request documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use an independent service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an assessment. Medical professionals don't have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. 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 aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you 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 information.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable 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. adhd uk diagnosis includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or 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. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied 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 growing issue particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will usually be slightly longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful if you have family members or a acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will explain why, and you can ask for a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.