How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers called Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will require evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and Adult ADHD Diagnosis they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify people with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.

Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Consider getting diagnosed with adhd a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to be comfortable with your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.

Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.

Ask your doctor

If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP, especially if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.

Once you have been formally diagnosed, adult ADHD diagnosis your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the symptoms.

Right to Choose

If you reside in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement for a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.

When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists 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 family member to help you.

Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem especially 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 main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can hand to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue a diagnosis.

They will inform you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request for a referral.

After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.

Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.