How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an independent service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for another one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth switching your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student at a university Your doctor may suggest a shared-care arrangement 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 GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes getting 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 get rid of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that can listen and understand your condition.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose which provider to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen 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 of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give 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.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a 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. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to a GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell 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're in the right category, they will explain why, and you can request a second referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared-care agreement for your medication 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 could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.
