Why How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Is More Difficult Than You Think
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history - 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 offer therapy for talking. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to find out. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for an independent service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for an alternative. While adult adhd diagnosis uk to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires 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 performed as well as the interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching 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 to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will develop ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also know the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for 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 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 as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
You should also ask your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior 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 concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you 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're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons, and you can ask for another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. If you're an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.