What You Can Use A Weekly How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Project Can Change Your Life
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for an extended period, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You may also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly.
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and 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 it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you need to be referred to 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 GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth), then 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 hand to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your school. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.