How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
If you're looking to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the process can seem daunting. However, it does not have to be.
The usual route begins with a visit to your GP and you will have an open and frank discussion about your health issues, including how they have affected you since childhood.
1. Talk to your GP
Your GP should take your concerns regarding ADHD seriously and inquire regarding the symptoms you are experiencing. They should also discuss whether they think you meet requirements for a diagnosis of ADHD and what the next steps should be.
They might refer you to a specialist for an assessment. They may ask you to complete an application form that helps the specialist assess whether you meet the criteria for ADHD. These forms can be completed online prior to your appointment. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the different traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment and to write down instances of how you have experienced them.
The specialist will review the completed forms and schedule a consultation. It is likely to be in person, however you may also be able to do it via phone or via Skype if that is the way you prefer. They will determine if you meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and look at any other mental health issues causing issues. They will also ask if you are considering taking medication to manage your symptoms, and will outline the pros and cons of this approach.
If you decide to take the route of medication, your doctor will ask you if you are happy for them to give your prescription to your GP under a shared care agreement. They will then ask your GP to prescribe the medication and schedule follow-up appointments with you.
If you do not have access to the NHS and are not a member of the NHS, your GP is not required to refer you to an ADHD assessment. This is due to the fact that GPs are not specialists, and can only refer you to an expert to determine if you suffer from ADHD after they have established that your symptoms are causing you significant difficulties in your daily life.
It is possible to self-refer for a confidential assessment of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. On their website the Psychiatry UK has a very useful guide on this subject. It is best to discuss this issue with your GP to ensure they can understand why you need an individual referral. If they are reluctant to refer you for any reason, or if they refuse to refer you at all, then it might be time to seek out a new GP.
2. Request your GP for a referral
If you think you or your child may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to talk to your GP about the signs. A diagnosis can provide some relief and help you understand more about the condition. The process can be a bit daunting, but it is worth the effort for those who wish to live their lives as fully as possible.
When speaking to your GP, be sure to be clear about why you think that your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will take this very seriously and may even ask you to fill out a diagnostic screening tool. It is important to describe your symptoms in detail, such as the case of difficulty managing time or lose items often.
Depending on your location depending on your location, you might have to wait a while before you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. There are private ADHD treatment providers that can offer a quicker appointment. These providers are often recommended by NICE guidelines and have established results. They also can offer a more thorough assessment and medication treatment, if necessary.
In England If your GP will agree to refer you to an ADHD assessment you are entitled to choose your provider. This is the 'Right to Choose" option. On the NHS website you can read more about this. The Psychiatry UK, the primary provider that is used by RTC in the UK offers a useful guide to the process. It includes template forms that you can use to convince your GP to refer you.
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 history, family history and current health issues. The specialist will also use checklists of symptoms, interviews with your parents or spouse and the input of others who know you well to evaluate your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
If you decide to take medications for ADHD, you will usually be sent back to your GP after a 30-minute appointment with the psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions, and you can go to an ADHD specialist for additional treatments such as CBT or an evaluation of ADHD medication.
3. Find a Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
Your GP will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an ADHD assessment. The specialist will review your symptoms and determine the most effective way to help you manage your symptoms. They may recommend medication, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or both. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the mental health field and hold advanced degrees in psychology. how to get an adhd assessment uk are able to prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, and Louisiana and also in the Public Health Service, Indian Health Service and throughout the US Armed Forces. However they'll most likely consult with your primary care physician or child's pediatrician before prescribing any medication to treat ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work closely to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to manage your symptoms. They will look at the ways in which your ADHD symptoms impact your quality of life and how they affect your relationships, work, and your personal well-being. They will also consider any other health issues you have and how they might be contributing to your symptoms.
When you make an appointment to see a psychiatrist, they will begin the assessment process by asking about your medical history and lifestyle. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires to assess your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They might also ask for input from individuals who know you well like family members or close family members.
Some people are unable to get a referral from their GP for an ADHD assessment. This could be because of the stigma surrounding ADHD or the fact that a GP might think that your issues are caused by something else, such as depression or anxiety. Luckily, this doesn't need to be the case.
Online clinics offer ADHD tests and prescription medication. Some of these clinics are located in the UK and others in other countries. Some of them accept health care insurance while others provide special packages for people who are in need of financial assistance. Find a practitioner that can help you manage your symptoms and live a pleasant and fulfilling life.
4. Make a booking
You could be offered the option to choose between private assessments or the NHS Right to Choose pathway if you are referred for an ADHD assessment by your doctor. This is a brand new system introduced in 2018 that allows you to choose your mental healthcare provider (such as your psychologist or psychiatrist). This makes the process much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment, since there is no need for your GP to refer you to a different health service.
After you have selected the individual who will perform your private evaluation, he or she will set up an appointment with you. You can choose to have the appointment in person or by phone, depending on your preference. During the assessment your doctor will question you about different aspects of your life, such as how your conditions affect your life. They will also ask for input from a person who is close to you, like a partner, family member or a friend. They will then be able to make an outcome report, which they will then send to your GP.
During the examination your doctor will determine if they think you could benefit from medication. Due to the shortage of ADHD medications, it could take some time before you get an order, so this is something you need to be aware of.
If your GP refuses to pay for your ADHD assessment you are able to appeal their decision. However, if you decide to do this it is crucial to put your appeal in writing. You can then highlight any concerns that you might have about the decision and provide evidence as to the impact it has had on you. In certain instances, the CCG might reconsider their decision and approve your funding. If they don't, you can ask your MP to help get your funding approved. Here's a sample letter you can send to your MP.