These Are Myths And Facts Behind How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK
These Are Myths And Facts Behind How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK
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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for a long time, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurer to find out. You could also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is particularly important when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
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 a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worth switching your GP in particular when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, more info those of colour and those assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to making this request on their website which includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other options that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your school. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.