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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You could also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not have to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different 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 can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP particularly when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student at a university your doctor might 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 it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get 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 get rid of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, 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 as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
You should also consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can provide to a GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue a 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 do not believe you meet the criteria they will explain why, and you can ask for an additional referral.
Once adult adhd diagnosis uk have received an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other support available that can ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.
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