How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
If you're looking to get a diagnosis of ADHD, the process can seem daunting. It does not have to.
The typical process begins with a visit at your GP where you can have an open and open discussion about your issues and how they have impacted your life since the time you were a child.
1. Talk to your GP
The GPs you consult with should consider your concerns regarding ADHD seriously and ask questions about how symptoms impact your life. They should also discuss if they believe that you are a candidate for an ADHD diagnosis and what the next steps to take.
They may decide to refer you to an expert physician for a diagnostic examination. You might be required to fill out a form which will assist the doctor in determining if you meet the ADHD criteria. The forms can be completed online and before your appointment. Before you go to the appointment, it's an excellent idea to familiarise with the different symptoms (traits) of ADHD and record some examples of how they impact you.
The specialist will review your completed forms and then set up a meeting. This will probably be in person, however it could be over the phone or through 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 difficulties. They will ask if you've thought about using medication to manage symptoms and will explain the pros and con of this option.
If you decide to take medication, your doctor will ask you if it is okay for them to share the prescription with your GP as part of a shared care arrangement. They will then ask your GP to prescribe medication and schedule follow-up appointments with you.
It is worth noting that if you're not in the NHS your GP is not required to refer you to an assessment of ADHD. This is due to the fact that GPs are not specialists and are able to refer you to specialists for a diagnosis of ADHD if they have assessed that your symptoms are causing 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 provides a comprehensive guide on this on their website here. It is a good thing to discuss this issue with your GP to make sure they can understand why you need a private referral. If your GP is unable to refer you for any reason or refuses to make a referral, it might be time to find another GP.
2. You can ask your GP for an appointment
It is important to discuss the symptoms with your GP when you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. A diagnosis can ease your mind and allow you to learn more about your condition. The process may seem daunting, but those who wish to live their lives as fully as they can, will find it worth the effort.
Explain to adhd online assessment believe you or your child might have ADHD. Your GP should take this seriously and may request you to fill out a diagnostic screening tool. You should also be prepared to provide examples of your symptoms, like trouble with time management or frequent loss of items.
Depending on where you live depending on where you live, you might have to wait a while for an ADHD evaluation with the NHS. Fortunately, there are private ADHD treatment providers that can help you get an appointment sooner. They are frequently recommended by the NICE guidelines and their track record is established. They also can provide a more comprehensive assessment and medication treatment, if necessary.
In England If your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment you are entitled to choose your preferred provider. This is called 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 has a guide which includes templates you can use to convince an 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 include a comprehensive clinical interview, which will include questions about your medical background, family history and any health issues you are currently facing. The doctor will use symptom checklists and interviews with your parents, spouse, and other people who are familiar with your condition to assess your symptoms.
If you decide to use medication for ADHD You will typically be discharged back to your GP after a 25-minute visit with the psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions and you may then go to your chosen ADHD specialist for further treatments such as CBT therapy or an evaluation of ADHD medication.
3. Find a Psychiatrist or Psychologist
The GP will provide you with an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist to conduct your ADHD assessment. This specialist will assess your symptoms and determine how to best manage these symptoms. They may suggest medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (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 as well as in the Public Health Service, Indian Health Service and throughout the US Armed Forces. However, they will most likely consult with your primary physician or your child's pediatrician prior to prescribing any medication to treat ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work together to help you manage your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. They will assess how ADHD symptoms impact your quality of living at work, your relationships, and your overall health. They will also consider any other health issues that you suffer from and how they may be contributing to your symptoms.
When you make an appointment with a psychiatrist, the first thing they do is ask about your medical history and your lifestyle. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires to assess the extent of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might also ask you to discuss your experiences with those who know you well, such as family members or close friends.
Some people find it difficult to get a referral request for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This is due to the stigma that surrounds ADHD or because a GP might think that your problems are due to other factors, such as depression or anxiety. Luckily, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case.
There are many online clinics that offer ADHD assessments and prescription medication. Some of them are located in the UK, and others are located in other countries. A majority of them accept health insurance, and a few offer packages specifically for those who require financial support. Find a doctor who can help you manage your symptoms and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
4. Make an appointment
You might be offered the choice of private assessments or the NHS Right to Choose pathway in the event that you are referred to an ADHD assessment by your doctor. This is a new system that was introduced in the year 2018 that allows you to choose your mental health provider (such as your psychiatrist or psychologist). This is a faster process than waiting for an NHS appointment. Your GP will not need to send you to a different provider.
After you have selected the service provider for your private assessment They will schedule an appointment with you. You can choose to have the appointment in person or via phone, based on your preference. During the examination, your doctor will ask you about various aspects of your life, including your symptoms. They will also seek input from someone close to you, such as a partner, family member or a friend. Then, they will make a report that can be sent to your GP.
During the examination the doctor may also discuss whether they think you would benefit from medication. Due to the global shortage of ADHD medications, it could take a while before you receive a prescription, so this is something that you should be aware of.
If your GP does not approve of your ADHD assessment you are able to appeal the decision. If you decide to appeal it must be done 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, CCG will review their decision and approve the funding. However, if they don't then you can contact your MP and ask them to help get the funding approved. Here is an example of a letter you can present to your MP.