How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If www.iampsychiatry.uk are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out a different one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually 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 have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to do this for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It can be challenging to find a professional that can listen and understand your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to know the 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 information.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable 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. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request 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 a problem that is growing, especially for women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful to have someone in your family or a close friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell if you believe that 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 let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. If you are an undergraduate student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.