How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you’re uncertain if a psychiatrist’s services are included in your network. You may also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. If you don’t have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don’t have much practical experience with it. You’ll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to be comfortable with your physician however, you shouldn’t settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include 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 give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth changing your GP in particular in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and where To diagnose Adhd discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. 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 challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is called the “Right to Choice”. 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 that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing adhd in adults mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you’re not able to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with 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 appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don’t believe you’re a fit for the criteria, they will explain why, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you’re willing to take medication, there could be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you’re a student at a university, for example you may request an assessment. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student’s Allowance.
