How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.

A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.

Find a psychiatrist

They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talk. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and Adult ADHD Diagnosis has experience with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.

If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly important if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for a different one. It is crucial to be comfortable with your doctor however, you should not settle for anything less.

Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England You have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.

Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may 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 will agree to the referral, then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, as the medical interview will likely be focused on how your adhd diagnosis uk adults symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.

After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to get an assessment 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 may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the condition.

Right to Choose

If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". 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 recommended to also know the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.

You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.

You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.

Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.

A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you an assessment.

They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may ask for another referral.

After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.

Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. If you're a student at a university for instance, you can request an assessment. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.