How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
The process of obtaining an assessment for ADHD can be a daunting task for those who are interested. But it doesn't have to be.
The typical process begins with a visit at your GP where you will be able to have an open and honest discussion about the symptoms and how they've affected your life since the time you were a child.
1. Talk to your doctor
GPs should take your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask you questions regarding how the symptoms affect your life. They should also discuss if they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, and what the next steps will be.
They may decide to refer you to a specialist doctor for a diagnostic evaluation. You might be required to complete a form that will help the specialist determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms are usually completed online prior to your appointment. It is recommended to learn about the various characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment and note down instances of how you have experienced these symptoms.
The specialist will review your completed forms and then schedule a consultation. It is likely to be in person, but it could be over the phone or via Skype if you prefer. They will determine if your situation meets the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and also consider any other mental health issues that may be causing issues. They will also inquire if you are considering taking medication to treat your symptoms, and will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
If you decide to take medication, your doctor will ask you whether it is acceptable for them to share the prescription with your GP as part of a shared-care arrangement. They will ask your GP to prescribe medications and schedule follow-up appointments with you.
It is worth noting that if you're not on the NHS your GP is not obliged to refer you to an assessment of ADHD. GPs do not have the expertise to diagnose ADHD. They are able to refer an individual to a specialist if your symptoms are causing significant difficulties.
It is possible to self-refer for a private assessment of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. On their website Psychiatry UK provides a useful guide on this topic. It is recommended to discuss this issue with your GP to make sure they know why you require an appointment with a private doctor. If your GP is unwilling to refer you for reasons other than the reason that they are unable to do so, it may be time to find another GP.
2. You can ask your GP for a referral
It is important to discuss the symptoms with your GP when you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Being diagnosed can bring some relief and help you know more about the condition. It can be a daunting process however, those who wish to live life as fully as they can will find it worth the effort.
Discuss with your GP why you think you or your child may have ADHD. Your GP will take this seriously and may ask you to fill out an assessment tool for diagnosing. You should also be prepared to provide examples of your symptoms, for example trouble with time management or frequent loss of items.
Depending on your location, you may need to wait a while before you are able to get an ADHD assessment from the NHS. There are private ADHD treatment providers that can provide a faster appointment. These professionals are often recommended by the NICE guidelines and have established results. They can also provide a more thorough evaluation and medication treatment, should it be necessary.
In England, if your GP accepts to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have the right to choose your provider. This is referred to as the Right to Choose pathway. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. Psychiatry UK the primary provider of RTC in the UK offers a guideline with templates you can use to convince a 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 involve a medical interview that includes questions regarding your medical background as well as your family history and current health issues. The doctor will utilize symptoms checklists and interviews with your parents, partner and other people who know you to determine the severity of your symptoms.
After a 25-minute discussion with a psychiatrist, you'll be discharged to your GP If you decide to use medication for ADHD. Your GP will renew your prescriptions, and you are able to visit an ADHD specialist for additional treatment such as CBT or an evaluation of ADHD medication.
3. Find a Psychiatrist and Psychologist
Your GP will refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist to conduct an ADHD assessment. The specialist will review your symptoms and determine the best way to help you manage these symptoms. They might suggest medication or cognitive treatment for behavioural issues (CBT) or both. Psychologists are trained to be advanced in psychology and are experts in mental health. They can prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and Louisiana and also in the Public Health Service, Indian Health Service and across the US Armed Forces. However they'll most likely consult with your primary physician or your child's pediatrician prior to prescribing any medication for ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work together to assist you in managing your symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. They will examine the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your daily life at work, your relationships, and your personal wellbeing. adhd assessment will also consider any other health issues you have and how they could be affecting your symptoms.
When you make an appointment to see a psychiatrist they'll begin the assessment process by asking about your medical history and lifestyle. They'll also require you to complete questionnaires to assess the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also request input from individuals who know you well like family members or close family members.
Some people have difficulty to get a referral request for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This could be due to the stigma that is attached to ADHD or the fact that the GP may believe that your problems are due to something else, like anxiety or depression. This does not always necessarily have to be the case.
There are many online clinics offering ADHD assessments and prescription medication. Some of these are based in the UK and some are located in other countries. Many of them have health insurance, and a few have special packages for people who require financial assistance. Find a doctor who can help you manage symptoms and lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
4. Make a reservation
You may be given the choice of an individual assessment or the NHS Right to Choose pathway if you are referred for an ADHD assessment by your physician. This is a brand-new system introduced in 2018 that gives you the right to choose your mental healthcare provider (such as your psychiatrist or psychologist). This makes the process quicker than waiting for an NHS appointment, since there is no need for your GP to forward your referral to a different provider.
Once you have chosen the company for your private assessment They will then schedule an appointment with you. It could be in person or via the telephone, based on what your preference is. During the exam the doctor will ask you questions about various aspects of your life, such as how your conditions affect you. They may also request anyone close to you to provide their opinion for example, your family, partner or a close friend. They will then be able to prepare an outcome report that they will then send to your GP.
During the assessment the doctor may also determine if they think you could benefit from medication. It could take a while before you receive a prescription due to the global shortage of ADHD medication.
If your GP refuses to fund your ADHD assessment you are able to appeal the decision. If you choose to appeal you must submit your appeal in writing. This allows you to outline any concerns you may have about the decision and demonstrate the impact that it has had on your life. In some instances, the CCG might review their decision and accept your request for funding. However, if they do not, you can contact your MP and ask them to help get the funding approved. You can download a sample letter to give your MP here.