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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting a long time, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use an individual service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how adhd is diagnosed in adults your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of adhd diagnosis in adults uk they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care 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 finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It can be challenging to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to pick
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose which provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". 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 also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. 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
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can hand to a GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include a structured interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful to have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can adhd be diagnosed in adults save you money over the course of time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can give you suggestions on how to diagnose adults with adhd to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.
