How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You may also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
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Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your doctor but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worth changing your GP particularly in the event that you plan to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, because the medical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, 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 at a university your doctor might suggest a shared-care arrangement 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 doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to pick
If https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert 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 could make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among women, people of color and those who were born female). The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for making this request on their website which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and request another referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other support might be available. For example, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.
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