How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not
getting diagnosed with adhd in adulthood an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is 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. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to diagnose someone with
adhd getting diagnosed. Many medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
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. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given 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 medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist 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 the legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting 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 disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this
diagnosis for adhd in adults.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and to attend an interview. The interview will usually 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. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women as well as people of color and those who were born female). The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for making this request on their website which includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful if you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will inform you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to
get an adhd diagnosis uk the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. If you are a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.
