What How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Should Be Your Next Big Obsession?
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP, especially in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If diagnosing adhd in adults I Am Psychiatry live in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose the service. 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 recommended to find out the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to remember that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to a GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is usually helpful if you have family members or a acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other support could be available. For example, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your school. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.