How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Tips From The Top In The Industry
How to Get get diagnosed with adhd in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you want 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 are unable to accept this request for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP in particular if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
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. Preparing for the interview is essential because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". 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 find out the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
You should also ask your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women, people of color and women born to females). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for making this request on their website that includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.