How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
The process of getting the diagnosis for ADHD can be a daunting task for those who are interested. However, it does not have to be.
The typical route starts with a visit to your GP where you'll have an open and frank discussion about your symptoms, including how they have affected you since childhood.
1. Speak to your doctor
Your doctor should take your concerns regarding ADHD seriously and inquire regarding the symptoms you are experiencing. They should also discuss whether they believe that you have the right criteria to receive an ADHD diagnosis and what the next steps to take.
They might want to refer you to a specialist doctor for a diagnostic evaluation. You might be asked to complete a form that will allow the specialist to determine whether you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms can usually be completed online and before your appointment. Prior to your appointment, it's an excellent idea to familiarise with the different symptoms (traits) of ADHD and write down some examples of how they affect you.
The specialist will go over your completed forms and arrange a time for a consultation. This will probably be in person, however it may be via phone or via Skype in case you prefer. They will assess if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD and consider any other mental health issues that might be causing difficulties. They will also ask whether you're considering taking medication to manage your symptoms, and will outline the pros and cons of this option.
If you decide to take medication your doctor will ask you if it is appropriate to give the prescription to 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 and are not a member of the NHS, your GP is not required to refer you to an ADHD assessment. This is due to the fact that GPs are not specialists, and are able to refer you to an expert for a diagnosis of ADHD if they have assessed that your symptoms are causing you significant problems 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 has a helpful guide on this on their website here. It is however recommended to discuss this with your GP first to ensure they understand the reason you want a private referral. If they are reluctant to refer you to a specialist for any reason, or are unable to refer you it could be time to seek out a new GP.
2. Ask your GP for a referral
It is important to discuss the symptoms with your GP if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. A diagnosis may provide relief and allow you to learn more about the condition. The process can be a bit daunting, but it is worth the effort for those who want to live as full as possible.
When speaking to your GP, be sure to explain why you believe you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and may require you to fill in an assessment tool for diagnosing. You should be prepared to provide examples of your symptoms, like problems with time management or frequent loss of items.
Depending the location you live in and where you live, you may need to wait a few days for an ADHD evaluation with the NHS. There are private ADHD treatment providers that can offer a quicker appointment. These professionals are often recommended by NICE guidelines and have established results. They can also provide a more comprehensive assessment and medication treatment, should it be necessary.
In England, if your GP accepts to refer you to an ADHD assessment you are entitled to choose the provider you want. This is the "Right to Choose" pathway. You can find out more information about this on the NHS website. Psychiatry UK the primary provider of RTC in the UK offers a guideline 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 includes a thorough interview that includes questions about your medical history, family history, and current health concerns. The doctor will also utilize symptom checklists and interviews with your parents or spouse as well as input from other people who know you well to assess your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
After a 25-minute consultation with a psychiatrist, you'll be discharged to your GP in the event that you decide to take medication for ADHD. Your GP will renew your prescriptions and you can then go to your chosen 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 issue an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist to conduct your ADHD assessment. The specialist will evaluate your symptoms and decide how to best manage these symptoms. They might recommend medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or both. Psychologists are trained to be advanced in psychology and are experts in mental health. They can prescribe medications in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and Louisiana as well as in the Public Health Service, Indian Health Service and throughout the US Armed Forces. They will talk to your child's primary care physician or pediatrician first before prescribing any ADHD medication.
Psychologists and psychiatrists collaborate to develop an effective treatment plan to manage your symptoms. They will look at how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life at interactions, your work, and your overall wellbeing. They will also consider any other health issues that you suffer from and how they could be affecting your symptoms.
If you book an appointment with a psychiatrist, the first thing they conduct is to inquire about your medical history and lifestyle. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires to evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also ask for feedback from those who know you well like family members or close friends.
Many people find it difficult to obtain a referral for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This could be because of the stigma associated with ADHD or because a GP may believe that your problems are caused by other factors, such as anxiety or depression. Luckily, this does not need to be the situation.
Online clinics offer ADHD assessments and prescription drugs. Some of these are based in the UK and some are based in other countries. Some of them take health 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 happy and fulfilling life.
4. Make an appointment
If you're referred by your doctor for an ADHD assessment, you could be given the option to seek out a private practitioner or the NHS Right to Choose pathway. This is a new system that was introduced in 2018, and it gives you the legal right to choose your mental health provider (for instance your psychiatrist or Psychologist). assessed for adhd makes the process faster than waiting for an NHS appointment, since there will be no need for your GP to send your referral to a different provider.
Once you've selected the service provider for your private assessment, they will book an appointment with you. You can make the appointment in person or over the phone, based on your preference. During the examination, your doctor will ask about different aspects of life, including your symptoms. They will also ask for input from a person who is close to you, such as a partner, family member or friend. They will then be able to make an outcome report, which they will then forward to your GP.
During the assessment, your specialist may also discuss whether they believe you could benefit from a medication. It may take some time before you get an order due to the global shortage in ADHD medication.
If your GP refuses to pay for your ADHD assessment you are able to appeal their decision. If you choose to appeal, you must do so in writing. This allows you to outline any concerns you may have about the decision, and provide evidence of the impact that it has had on your life. In some instances, CCG will review their decision and approve the funding. If they don't, request your MP's assistance to get your funding approved. You can get a sample letter to give your MP here.