How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for for a long time, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided 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 doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could 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 accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. adhd diagnosing 'll be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and understand your situation.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the provider. 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 that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to note that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from 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 assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful when you have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other options that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.