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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period you can ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. find out here is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to be able to trust your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
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 crucial to be prepared for this, since the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can hand to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically 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 state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.