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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting for a long time you can consult 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 various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurer to determine the status. 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 can choose an individual provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is especially important when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
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 will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to do this for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, as the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student at a university Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the 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 you prefer before you contact them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from 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 assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women, people of color and women born to females). The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for doing this on their website, which includes template forms that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial to have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After receiving adhd diagnosis uk adults , it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll have 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 can save you money in the end.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.
