How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting an extended period, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use an independent service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.

It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is especially important when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician however, you should not settle for anything less.

Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether 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. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.

Ask your doctor

If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.

Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worth switching your GP in particular 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 wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.

After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.

Right to choose

If you live in England and your GP will refer you for an adhd diagnosis uk adults assessment, you have a legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.

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 have 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 you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.

You should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.

You should also ask your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment 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 diagnosis adults looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for Adult ADHD Diagnosis women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for Adult ADHD Diagnosis a private assessment. The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to doing this on their website, which includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.

A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.

They will inform them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.

After receiving an 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 may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.

You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other support may be available. If you are an undergraduate student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.