How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you’re waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don’t have insurance, you may choose to 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 like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You’ll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider getting diagnosed for adhd a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it’s important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn’t be forced to accept less than you’re entitled to.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you’ll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, as the medical interview will likely be focused on how to get adhd diagnosis in Adults your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you’ve been performing in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you’re a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don’t have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don’t need treatment because you don’t have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose the service. This is referred to as the ‘Right to Choice’. The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order 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. This includes quotes taken 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 waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how to get diagnosed with adult add it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment if you don’t want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how do you get diagnosed with adhd your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often beneficial when you have someone in your family or a close friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will inform them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You’ll need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Based on your situation and whether or not you’re willing to take medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your school. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.
