How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
For those of you looking to get a diagnosis of ADHD the process can appear daunting. But, it doesn't have to be.
The typical procedure starts with a visit to your GP where you can have an open, honest discussion about the symptoms and how they have impacted your life since your childhood.
1. Talk to your GP
Your GP should take your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask you questions regarding how the symptoms affect your life. They should also discuss whether they believe you are a candidate for an ADHD diagnosis and what the next steps are.
They might want to refer you to an expert clinician for a diagnostic assessment. You may be required to fill out a form which will allow the specialist to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. The forms can be completed online before your appointment. It is recommended to familiarise yourself with the different traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, and note down the ways you experience them.
The specialist will review the forms you've completed and then set up a time to meet with you. It is likely to be in person, but it could be over the phone or via Skype should you prefer. They will determine if you meet the criteria for an assessment of ADHD and will also look into any other mental health issues that could be causing difficulties. They will also inquire whether you're considering taking medication to manage your symptoms, and will explain the pros and cons of this option.
If you decide to take the medication route, your doctor will ask you if agree to share your prescription with your GP under a shared-care agreement. They will then request your GP to prescribe the medication and set up follow up appointments with you.
It is important to note that if you are not in the NHS your GP is not obliged to refer you to an assessment of ADHD. This is due to the fact that GPs are not experts, and they can only refer you to an expert for a diagnosis of ADHD if they have assessed 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. The Psychiatry UK website has a helpful guide on this on their website here. However, it is an excellent idea to discuss this with your GP first to let them know why you are seeking a private referral. If they're not willing to refer you to refer you to a specialist for any reason, or refuse to even consider referring you, then it might be time to look for a different GP.
2. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
It is crucial to discuss the symptoms with your GP when you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. A diagnosis can provide relief and help you learn more about your condition. The process can be a bit daunting but it's worth the effort for those who would like to live their lives as fully as they can.
When you speak to your GP ensure that you explain why you believe that your child or you may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and may require you to fill in a diagnostic screening tool. You should be prepared to provide examples of your symptoms, such as difficulties with time management or frequent loss of items.
Depending on where you live You may have to wait a while before you can receive an ADHD assessment from the NHS. There are fortunately private ADHD treatment providers who can offer you an appointment sooner. They are frequently recommended by NICE guidelines and have demonstrated results. They can also provide you with a more thorough assessment and medication treatment if you require it.
In England In England, if your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have the right to choose the provider you want. This is known as the 'Right to Choose' pathway. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. The main provider, Psychiatry-UK used through RTC in the UK, has a helpful guide to the process, which includes templates for forms 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 involve a medical interview that will include questions regarding your medical background, family history, and current health concerns. The specialist will use symptom checklists and interviews with your partner, parents and other people who know you to assess your symptoms.
After a 25-minute consultation with a psychiatrist, you'll get discharged to your GP if you decide to use medication for ADHD. Your GP will renew your prescriptions, and you can then visit your chosen ADHD specialist for further treatment like CBT therapy or a trial of ADHD medication.
3. Find a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
The GP will write you a referral to see a psychiatrist or psychologist for your ADHD assessment. This specialist will assess your symptoms and decide how to best manage them. They may suggest medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or both. Psychologists have advanced degrees in psychology and are specialists in the field of 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. They will consult with your child's primary care physician or pediatrician before prescribing any ADHD medication.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work together to assist you in managing your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. They will examine how ADHD symptoms affect your quality of living and work, your relationships and your overall health. They will also take into account any other health issues you have and how they could be affecting your symptoms.
When you make an appointment to see a psychiatrist they will start the evaluation process by asking questions about your medical history and lifestyle. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires that evaluate the severity 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 friends.
Some people find it difficult 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 think that your difficulties result from other issues, such as depression or anxiety. It doesn't have to be the situation.
There are numerous online clinics that offer ADHD tests and prescription medication. Some of them are located in the UK, and others are located in other countries. Some of them accept health insurance, while others offer special packages for people who require financial assistance. It is essential to conduct your research to ensure that you find a doctor who can help you manage your symptoms and lead a healthy and happy life.
4. Make an appointment
If you're referred to your doctor for an ADHD assessment, you could be given the option to seek out a private practitioner or the NHS Right to Choose route. This is a new system that was launched in the year 2018, and it grants you the legal right to select your mental health professional (for instance your psychiatrist or Psychologist). This makes the process much faster than waiting for an NHS appointment, as there is no need for your GP to send your referral to a different health service.
Once you've selected the provider of your personal assessment, the person will schedule an appointment with you. adhd assessments uk could be in person or via the telephone, depending on your preference. During the assessment your specialist will ask you about various aspects of your life, such as your symptoms. They will also request feedback from someone close to you, like a family member, partner or friend. Then, they can create a report that will be sent to your GP.
During the examination your doctor will discuss whether they believe you could benefit from a medication. It could take a while before you get an order due to the worldwide shortage in ADHD medications.
If your GP does not approve of your ADHD assessment, you have the option to appeal the decision. However, if you decide to appeal, it is important that you do so in writing. You should then mention any concerns you may have regarding the decision and provide evidence of the impact it has had on you. In certain cases, CCG will review their decision and then approve funding. However, if they do not you can call your MP and ask them to to get the funding approved. You can get an example letter to send your MP here.