How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will request evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.

Find a Psychiatrist

They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out a different one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.

Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.

Ask your GP

If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason it might be worth switching your GP particularly if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.

After a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the issue.

Right to Choose

If you reside in England and your GP consents to send you for diagnosis an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. 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 also recommended that you know the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.

You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.

You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.

You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to support.

Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from adhd diagnosis for adults.

Private Assessment

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to the GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.

A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.

They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why and you may request another referral.

After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.

It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're a student at a university for instance, you can request an assessment. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.