See What How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Tricks The Celebs Are Using
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 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 right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You may also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with adhd diagnosis uk patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your physician, but 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 various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult adhd diagnosis uk assessments online which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, adhd diagnosis uk your specialist will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with 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 medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
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 a right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is worth noting that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable 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 is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
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 help manage 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
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially 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 which includes templates that you can provide to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and you may ask for another referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should get a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.
