How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for for a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask adhd diagnosis uk adults
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. adhd uk diagnosis may also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. 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 recommended that you also find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember 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 refer you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, 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 cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. 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 can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women, people of color and those born female). The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a helpful guide to doing this on their website, which includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.