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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In diagnosis for adhd in adults will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a 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 find out the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for 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 print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with 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 friend or family member to assist you.
You should also consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They might not wish 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 might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among women as well as people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can hand to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may request a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other options that can ease your symptoms. If you're a university student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.
