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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their provider – known as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports. Find a Psychiatrist Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurer to determine the status. You could 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 a private provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to establish an assessment. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms. When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important 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, think about seeking out another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve. Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis. In England you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list 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 are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly. Ask your doctor If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP particularly when you intend to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life. Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you. There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can be difficult to find a professional who can listen and understand your situation. Right to pick If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as the “Right to Choice”. 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 recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information. It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. simply click the up coming website page includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis. Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider. If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you. Ask your GP about medication options. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment You can have an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to making this request on their website which includes a template form that you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis. A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful if you have a family member or acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis. They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back. After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can save you money over time. Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.