How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and 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 select from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template 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 in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you're a university student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the service. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. adult adhd diagnosis IamPsychiatry is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter 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 they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try 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 looks like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can give to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (sym
