How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
If you're looking to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the process can appear daunting. It does not have to.
The typical procedure starts with a visit to your GP where you can engage in an open and honest discussion about the symptoms and how they've affected your life since your childhood.
1. Talk with your doctor
GPs should take your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask you questions about how the symptoms affect your life. They should also discuss if they believe that you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and what next steps to take.
They may want to send you to an expert doctor for a diagnostic evaluation. They might request you to fill out a form that will help the doctor determine if you are a candidate for ADHD. These forms can be completed online prior to your appointment. It is also a good idea to learn about the various characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, and then write down some instances of how you have experienced them.
The specialist will review your completed forms and schedule a consultation. This will probably be in person, but it could also be over the phone or through Skype should you prefer. They will determine if your situation meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and will also look at any other mental health issues causing issues. They will ask if you've considered using medication to manage symptoms and explain the pros and cons of this choice.
If you decide to go the medication route, your doctor will ask you if are happy for them to give your prescription to your GP under a shared care agreement. They will then ask your GP to prescribe the medication and book follow up appointments with you.
If you don't have access to the NHS, your GP is not required to refer you to an ADHD assessment. GPs don't have the knowledge to diagnose ADHD. They are able to refer patients to a specialist when your symptoms are causing you serious problems.
It is possible to self-refer to a private evaluation of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. On their website the Psychiatry UK has a very useful guide to this issue. It is best to discuss this with your GP to make sure they understand why you want an individual referral. If they're reluctant to refer you to a specialist for any reason, or if they are unable to refer you at all It could be time to find another GP.
2. Request your GP for an appointment
It is essential to discuss the symptoms with your GP when you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Being diagnosed can bring some relief and let you learn more about the condition. The process can be daunting, but those who wish to live their lives as fully as they can, will appreciate the effort.
When you talk to your GP ensure that you be clear about why you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will take this very seriously and may even ask you to complete an assessment tool for diagnosing. You should also be prepared to give them examples of your symptoms, for example trouble with managing time or frequent loss of items.
Depending the location you live in and where you live, you may need to wait a while for an ADHD assessment with the NHS. There are private ADHD treatment centers that offer faster appointments. These professionals are often recommended by NICE guidelines and have demonstrated track records. They can also provide you with an extensive evaluation and treatment for any medication needed.
In England If your GP accepts 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. You can learn more information about this on the NHS website. The main provider, Psychiatry-UK that is used by RTC in the UK provides a comprehensive guide to the process. It includes templates that 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 include a clinical interview, which will ask questions about your medical history, family history, and current health concerns. The doctor will also utilize symptoms checklists and interviews with your parents or spouse and the input of others who know you well to assess your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
If you decide to use medication for ADHD typically, you'll be discharged to your GP after a 30-minute appointment with a psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions and you can then go to your chosen ADHD specialist for further treatments, such as CBT therapy or a trial of ADHD medication.
3. Find a psychiatrist and Psychologist.
The GP will issue a referral to see a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct your ADHD assessment. The specialist will talk with you about your symptoms and determine the most effective course of action to help you manage them. They may suggest medication, cognitive treatment for behavioural issues (CBT) or both. Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in the field of mental health and have advanced qualifications in psychology. They can prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois and Iowa, as well as the Public Health Service and Indian Health Service. However they'll most likely consult with your primary care doctor or child's pediatrician before prescribing any medication for ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to manage your symptoms. They will look at the ways in which your ADHD symptoms affect your life quality, and how they impact your relationships, work and your overall wellbeing. They will also take into account any other health issues you may have and how they might be affecting your symptoms.
When you schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist, the first thing they will do is ask about your medical history and lifestyle. You will be asked to complete questionnaires to evaluate your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They may also seek feedback from those who know you very well, such as family members or close family members.
Some people are unable to get a referral from their GP for an ADHD assessment. This could be because of the stigma surrounding ADHD, or because the GP may believe that your difficulties are due to something else, like depression or anxiety. Luckily, this doesn't have to be the situation.
There are a variety of online clinics offering ADHD assessments and prescription medication. like it of these are based in the UK while others are located in other countries. Some of them accept health care insurance while others provide special packages for those who require financial assistance. It is essential to conduct your research to ensure you find a practitioner who can help you manage your symptoms and live a healthy and happy life.
4. Make a reservation
You may be given the choice of private assessments or the NHS Right to Choose pathway if you are referred for an ADHD evaluation by your GP. This is a brand new system which was introduced in the year the year 2018, and it grants you the legal right to choose your mental health provider (for instance your psychiatrist or Psychologist). This makes the process faster than waiting for an NHS appointment, as there is no requirement for your GP to forward your referral 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 by phone, depending on your preference. During the examination the doctor will ask you questions about different aspects of your life, such as the way your symptoms affect you. They will also seek input from someone close to you, like your spouse, family member or a friend. They can then prepare a report to be sent to your GP.
During the assessment your doctor will discuss whether they think you would benefit from medication. Due to the global shortage of ADHD medications, it may take a while before you get an order, so this is something you must be aware of.
You can appeal to your doctor's decision in the event that he or she refuses to pay for your ADHD assessment. If you choose to appeal you must submit your appeal in writing. This will allow you to express any concerns you may have regarding the decision and demonstrate the impact it had on your life. In some instances, the CCG might review their decision and decide to approve your request. However, if they do not you can call your MP and ask them to to get the funding approved. Here's an example letter you could give to your MP.