How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for an extended period and are not getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult an assessment, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose adhd in adults is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not have to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding 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 have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP particularly when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be coached on How Is Adult Adhd Diagnosed to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults adhd diagnosis don't receive treatment. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also know the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate 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 the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for making this request on their website which includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
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 various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe that you meet the diagnostic criteria for adhd in adults for ADHD or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will give reasons and you may request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.