How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for an alternative. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to do this in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP, especially in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, because the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in various 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 tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you money over time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.