How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for for a long time you can request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk adult adhd diagnosis uk is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You could also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD is like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. 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 receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, as the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. 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.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Children are said to develop ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It 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 medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to the GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will explain why and request a second referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. If you're a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.