How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period, consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider. A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested. Find a Psychiatrist Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have much hands-on experience with it. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly. Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. https://officeheaven64.werite.net/a-proficient-rant-concerning-adhd-undiagnosed-in-adults is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less. Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. https://timmermann-olson.hubstack.net/5-clarifications-on-diagnosing-adhd-in-adults-1725486351 involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life 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. The NHS offers 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 online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly. Ask your GP If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life. Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you. There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the issue. Right to choose If you live 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 the service. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for 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 find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP. You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to have 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 download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis. Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider. When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a family member to help you. It is also advisable to consult your GP to look into medication options for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD. Private Assessment If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis. A private assessment will usually be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis. They will tell you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why, and you can ask for another referral. After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run. You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other options to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.