How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
The process of obtaining an assessment for ADHD can be daunting to those who are interested. However, it does not have to be.
The typical route starts with visiting your GP where you'll have a candid and honest discussion about your issues and how they've affected you since your childhood.
1. Talk to your GP
The GPs you consult with should be aware of your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask questions about how the symptoms affect your life. They should also discuss whether they believe that you have the right criteria to receive an ADHD diagnosis and what next steps to take.
add adhd assessment may refer you to a specialist clinician to get diagnosis. You may be asked to fill out a form that will allow the specialist to determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms can be completed online prior your appointment. It is also a good idea to be familiar with the various characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment and then write down some instances of how you have experienced these symptoms.
The specialist will go over your completed forms and set up a meeting. It will likely be in person, but it could be over the phone or via Skype if you prefer. They will determine if they are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD and will also look into any other mental health issues that might be causing issues. They will also ask whether you're considering taking medication to manage your symptoms, and will outline the advantages and disadvantages of this choice.
If you decide to take medication your psychiatrist will ask whether it's okay for them to share the prescription with your GP as part of a shared care arrangement. They will then request your GP to prescribe the medication and book subsequent appointments with you.
If you don't have access to the NHS and are not a member of the NHS, your GP is not required to refer you for an ADHD assessment. GPs do not have the expertise to determine ADHD. They are able to refer an individual to a specialist if your symptoms are causing you serious problems.
It is possible to self-refer for a confidential evaluation of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. On their website the Psychiatry UK provides a useful guide on this topic. It is however a good idea to discuss this with your GP first to ensure they understand the reason you want a private referral. If they are reluctant for any reason, or if they are unable to refer you at all it could be time to look for a different GP.
2. You can ask your GP for a referral
It is essential to discuss the symptoms with your GP if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. A diagnosis may provide relief and help you learn more about your condition. The process can be daunting however, those who wish to live life as fully as they can will find it worth the effort.
Tell your GP why you think you or your child may have ADHD. Your GP will take this very seriously and may even ask you to complete an assessment tool for diagnosing. You should be prepared to describe your symptoms in detail, for example the case of difficulty managing your time or losing items frequently.
Depending on where you live, you may need to wait for a while before you are able to get an ADHD evaluation through the NHS. There are fortunately private ADHD treatment providers who can provide you with a speedier appointment. They are frequently recommended by NICE guidelines and have proven results. They can also offer you an in-depth evaluation and treatment for any medication you require it.
You are entitled to select your provider in England if your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment. This is the "Right to Choose" option. You can find out more about this on the NHS website. Psychiatry UK the primary provider of RTC in the UK has a manual that includes templates that you can use to convince an GP to refer the patient.
Once you have an ADHD assessment, the specialist will follow the NICE guidelines to determine whether you or your child has one of the three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive or combined. This will include a thorough clinical interview with questions regarding your medical background, family history and current health issues. The doctor will utilize symptoms checklists as well as interviews with your parents, partner and others who know you to evaluate your symptoms.
If you decide to take medications for ADHD typically, you'll be sent back to your GP after a 25-minute appointment with the psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions, and you are able to visit an ADHD specialist for further treatments like CBT or the possibility of a trial of ADHD medications.
3. Find a Psychiatrist and Psychologist
Your GP will refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist to conduct an ADHD assessment. This specialist will assess your symptoms and decide how best to manage these symptoms. They might suggest medication, cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) or both. Psychologists are trained to be advanced in psychology and are experts in the field of mental health. They are able to prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and Louisiana, as well as in the Public Health Service, Indian Health Service and across the US Armed Forces. However they'll most likely consult with your primary care doctor or your child's pediatrician prior prescribing any medication to treat ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work together to assist you in managing your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. They will look at the ways in which your ADHD symptoms impact your quality of life, and how they affect your work, relationships, and your personal well-being. They will also take into account any other health issues you have and how they may be contributing to your symptoms.
When you make an appointment with a psychiatrist the first thing they will conduct is to inquire about your medical history and lifestyle. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also request input from individuals who know you very well, such as family members or close family members.
Many people find it difficult to get a referral request for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This could be due to the stigma associated to ADHD or the fact that a GP might believe that your problems are due to other issues, such as depression or anxiety. This doesn't always necessarily have to be the case.
Online clinics offer ADHD assessments and prescription medications. Some of them are located in the UK and some are located in other countries. Some of them accept health insurance while others provide special packages for people who are in need of financial assistance. Do click the next page to find a practitioner that can help you manage your symptoms and live a happy and fulfilled life.
4. Make an appointment
You may be given the choice of a private assessment or the NHS Right to Choose pathway when you are recommended for an ADHD assessment by your doctor. This is a new procedure that was introduced in 2018and gives you the legal right to choose your mental health provider (for instance your psychiatrist or Psychologist). This is a much faster procedure than waiting for an NHS appointment. Your GP is not required to refer you to a different provider.
After you have selected the provider for your personal assessment, they will book an appointment with you. You can make the appointment in person or via telephone, based on your preference. The specialist will inquire about various aspects of your life, such as your symptoms. They will also request input from someone close to you, such as your spouse, family member or a friend. They will then be able to prepare an outcome report that they will forward to your GP.
During the examination, your specialist may also discuss whether they believe you could benefit from medication. Due to the global shortage of ADHD medications, it could take a while before you are given a prescription, and this is something you must be aware of.
If your GP does not approve of your ADHD assessment, you have the option to appeal their decision. If you choose to appeal it must be done in writing. This allows you to outline any concerns you have about the decision and demonstrate the impact that it has had on your life. In some instances, the CCG could reconsider their decision and approve your funding. If they don't, request your MP's assistance to in getting your funding approved. Here's an example letter you could give to your MP.