What Are The Myths And Facts Behind How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period, ask your GP to refer you to 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 the impacts on different aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talk. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for another one. It is essential to be able to trust your doctor however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for 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 accept this request for any reason it might be worth switching your GP particularly when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the medical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist 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, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Children are said to develop ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement for 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 also recommended to know the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting 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 issues, including adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
You should also consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for taking this step on their website which includes a template form that you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult IamPsychiatry takes just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain 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 again.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.