A Guide To How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK From Start To Finish
A Guide To How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK From Start To Finish
Blog Article
How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to get an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is particularly important if you are planning to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. 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 an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
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 get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
You should also ask your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be 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 that includes templates you can hand to a GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well here as in person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will explain why and ask for another referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.