How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting an extended period you can consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If adhd diagnosis uk adults Iam Psychiatry UK if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You can 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 can choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for an alternative. It is crucial to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're a university student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care 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 getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as 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 know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive 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. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content 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 rising problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK, they have a helpful guide to doing this on their website which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why, and you can ask for a second referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.