How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
If you're looking to get a diagnosis of ADHD, the process can appear daunting. It does not have to.
The typical process starts with a visit to your GP where you can engage in an open and honest discussion about your symptoms and how they have affected your life since the time you were a child.
1. Talk to your GP
Your GP should consider your concerns regarding ADHD seriously and ask you questions about how symptoms impact your life. They should also talk about whether they think you meet criteria for being diagnosed with ADHD and what the next steps would be.
They might refer you to a specialist to determine an assessment. They might ask you to complete an application form that helps the specialist assess whether you are a candidate for ADHD. The forms can be completed online before your appointment. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the various traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment and to write down examples of how you experience these symptoms.
The specialist will go over the forms you've filled out and then arrange a consultation with you. It will likely be in person, however you may also be able to do it via phone or through Skype If that's the way you prefer. They will assess if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD and will also look into any other mental health issues that might be causing issues. They will also ask whether you're thinking of using medication to manage your symptoms, and will outline the advantages and disadvantages of this choice.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will ask whether it is appropriate to share the prescription with your GP as part of a shared-care arrangement. They will then ask your GP to prescribe medication and set up follow-up appointments with you.
If you don't have access to the NHS or the NHS, your GP is not required to refer you to an ADHD assessment. This is due to the fact that GPs are not experts, and can only refer you to a specialist 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 evaluation of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Psychiatry-UK website provides a comprehensive guide on this on their website here. 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 refuses to refer you for reasons other than the reason that they are unable to refer you, it could be time to look for another GP.
2. You can ask your GP for an appointment
It is essential to discuss the symptoms with your GP when you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. A diagnosis can provide relief and assist you in learning more about your condition. It can be a daunting process but those who want to live life as fully as they can, will find it worth the effort.
Tell your GP why you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP must take this seriously and may ask you to fill out an assessment tool for diagnosing. You should also be prepared to give them examples of your symptoms, like problems with managing time or frequent loss of items.
Depending on where you live, you may have to wait a while for an ADHD assessment with the NHS. There are fortunately private ADHD treatment providers who can provide you with a speedier appointment. These professionals are often recommended by the NICE guidelines, and their track record is proven. They also can provide a more comprehensive assessment and treatment for medication, if necessary.
You have the right to choose the provider you want in England when your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment. This is called the 'Right to Choose' pathway. You can learn more information about this on the NHS website. Psychiatry-UK, the main provider that is used by RTC in the UK offers a useful 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 includes a thorough interview that includes questions about your medical history as well as your family history and current health concerns. The specialist will use symptoms checklists as well as interviews with your parents, spouse, and other people who are familiar with your condition to evaluate your symptoms.
If you decide to use medication for ADHD typically, you'll be discharged back to your GP after a 25-minute appointment with a psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions and you may then visit your preferred ADHD specialist for further treatment such as CBT therapy or the possibility of a trial of ADHD medication.
3. Find a Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
The GP will provide you with a referral to see a psychologist or psychiatrist for your ADHD assessment. This specialist will assess your symptoms and determine the best way to manage these symptoms. They might suggest medication, cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) or both. Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in the field of mental health and have advanced qualifications in psychology. They are able to 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 talk to your child's primary doctor or pediatrician prior to prescribing any ADHD medication.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work together to develop an effective treatment strategy and manage your symptoms. They will consider how your ADHD symptoms affect your life quality, and how they affect your work, relationships, and your overall wellbeing. They will also consider any other health issues you may have and how they may contribute to your symptoms.
If you book an appointment with a psychiatrist the first thing they do is inquire about your medical history and lifestyle. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires to assess your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also request input from individuals who know you very well like family members or close family members.
Many people find it difficult to get a referral request for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This could be because of the stigma surrounding ADHD, or because a GP may believe that your issues are due to something else, like depression or anxiety. It doesn't need to be the case.
There are numerous online clinics that provide ADHD tests and prescription medication. Some of these are based in the UK and some are located in different countries. Some of them accept health care insurance and others offer special packages for people who require financial assistance. Find a practitioner that can help you manage your symptoms and live a pleasant and fulfilled life.
4. Make psychiatrist adhd assessment
If you're referred to your doctor for an ADHD evaluation, you could be given the option to go privately or use the NHS 'Right to Choose' option. This is a new system that was introduced in 2018, and it gives you the legal right to choose your mental health practitioner (for instance your psychiatrist or Psychologist). This is a faster procedure than waiting for an NHS appointment. Your GP will not have to refer you to a different provider.
Once you have chosen the service provider for your private evaluation They will schedule an appointment with you. You can decide to schedule the appointment in person or via telephone, based on your preference. During the examination, your specialist will ask you about different aspects of your life, such as the way your symptoms affect you. They may also ask your family members to share their thoughts, such as your family, partner or a close friend. Then, they can prepare a report to be sent to your GP.
During the examination, your doctor might discuss whether you could benefit from taking medication. It may take some time before you get an order due to the worldwide shortage in ADHD medication.
You can appeal to your doctor's decision if he or will not pay for your ADHD assessment. However, if you decide to appeal it is essential that you do so in writing. This will allow you to highlight any concerns you may have about the decision and provide evidence of the impact it has had on your life. In some instances the CCG may reconsider their decision and approve your funding. However, if they do not, you can contact your MP and ask them to get the funding approved. Here's an example letter you could present to your MP.