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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports. Find a Psychiatrist They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an assessment. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms. It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to. Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England You can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut down wait times significantly. Ask your doctor If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to do this in any way, it could be worth changing your GP particularly in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life. After adult adhd diagnosis uk is made your doctor will offer you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you. Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms. Right to choose If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP. It is worth noting that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis. You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor. When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you. You should also consult your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. Private Assessment You can refer yourself to a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis. A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis. They will tell them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask them to refer you back. After you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long term. Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other support could be available. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.