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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 an extended period, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider. A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will require evidence, including childhood histories – school reports are sometimes requested. Find a psychiatrist They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You could also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms. If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out an alternative. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to. Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England You can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. adult adhd diagnosis uk can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times. Ask your doctor If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting 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. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life. After a formal diagnosis the doctor will give you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice 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 doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you. There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the issue. Right to Pick If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by 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 information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP. It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis. Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider. When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide support. Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment You can have a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions 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 provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for doing this on their website that includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person. A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over 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 another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can ask for an additional referral. After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time. It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. If you're an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. adult adhd diagnosis uk can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.