How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require evidence, including childhood histories school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. In related web-site , a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much hands-on experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. It is crucial to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you're a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make 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 aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
You should also ask your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to the GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. This will cover various aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is usually helpful if you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other options that can ease your symptoms. If you are a university student, for example, you can request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.