What Experts Say You Should Know
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for a private 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 with ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. It is important to be able to trust your doctor but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an Adult diagnosis for adhd specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for continued care. 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.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to pick
If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the service. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing adhd in adults mental health issues such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.
If you are undergoing an adhd private diagnosis scotland assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with undiagnosed adhd and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support 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 drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an individual assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women, people of color and women born to females). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and you may request a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other options that can ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.