How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private service. Be adhd diagnosis uk adults to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll need to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor but you should not settle for less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing 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 are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the clinical interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could 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 will agree to refer you, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with 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 ongoing care. If you are a university student your doctor might suggest an arrangement for 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 doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that 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 can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you reside 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 which provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the 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 know the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
You should also consult your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to doing this on their website that includes template forms that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path 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 can save you money over time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. If you're a university student, for example you could request an assessment. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.