How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers and
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A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for an individual service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out a different one. It is important to be comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for
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Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days prior
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After a diagnosis is made your doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give 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.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from 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 looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often beneficial to have family members or a friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will give reasons and you may request another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. For example,
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