This Is The History Of How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK In 10 Milestones
This Is The History Of How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK In 10 Milestones
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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're waiting for for a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to get an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if 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. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't get treated and that children aren't treated of it. It can be challenging to find a professional that will listen and understand your condition.
Right to pick
If you reside 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 known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert 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 may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and bring a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral 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 might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for making this request on their website which includes a template form that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis website as well as 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 your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your school. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.