How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
The process of obtaining a diagnosis for ADHD can be daunting to those who are interested. It does not have to.
The typical route starts with an appointment with your GP where you'll have an open and frank discussion about your health issues and how they've affected you since your early years.
1. Talk to your GP
The GPs you consult with should take your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask questions regarding how the symptoms affect your life. They should also discuss if they think you meet criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD and what the next steps should be.
They may want to refer you to an expert doctor for a diagnostic evaluation. You might be asked to fill out a form which will assist the doctor in determining whether you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms can be completed online prior to your appointment. It is recommended to be familiar with the various traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, and then write down some examples of how you experience them.
The specialist will go over your completed forms and schedule a consultation. It is likely to be in person, however you can also schedule it over the phone or through Skype should that be the way you prefer. They will determine if your situation meets the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and look at any other mental health issues that may be causing issues. They will also ask if you are considering using medication to manage your symptoms. They will explain the pros and cons of this approach.
If you decide to go down the medication route your psychiatrist will ask if you agree to give your prescription to your GP under a shared-care agreement. They will then request your GP to prescribe the medication and book follow up appointments with you.
It is worth noting that if you're not registered with the NHS your GP will have no obligation to refer you for 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 after they have established that your symptoms are causing significant difficulties in your everyday life.
It is possible to self-refer for a confidential evaluation of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. On their website Psychiatry UK has a very useful guide to this issue. It is best to discuss this issue with your GP to make sure they can understand why you need a private referral. If they are reluctant for any reason, or if they are unable to refer you it could be time to find another GP.
2. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you think you or your child might have ADHD, it is important to talk with your GP regarding the symptoms. A diagnosis can provide relief and help you learn more about your condition. It can be a daunting process, but those who wish to live life as fully as they can, will be able to justify the effort.
Discuss with your GP why you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Your GP should take this seriously and will probably require you to fill in a diagnostic screening tool. You must also be prepared to provide examples of your symptoms, like trouble with time management or frequent loss of items.
Depending on where you live, you may need to wait for a while before you are able to get an ADHD evaluation through the NHS. There are fortunately private ADHD treatment providers who can offer you an appointment in a shorter time. These providers are often recommended by the NICE guidelines, and their track record is proven. They also can offer a more thorough assessment and medication treatment, if necessary.
You are entitled to select your provider in England If your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment. This is the 'Right to Choose" pathway. On the NHS website you can read more about this. The Psychiatry UK, the primary provider that is used by RTC in the UK provides a comprehensive guide to the process, which includes templates that you can use to convince your GP to make the referral.
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 interview that includes questions regarding your medical background, family history and any health issues you are currently facing. The specialist will use symptoms checklists as well as interviews with your parents, partner and others who know you to evaluate your symptoms.
If you decide to take medications for ADHD, you will usually be discharged back to your GP after a 25-minute visit with a psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions and you can then visit your chosen ADHD specialist for further treatments such as CBT therapy or the possibility of a trial of ADHD medication.
3. Find a psychiatrist and Psychologist.
Your GP will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an ADHD assessment. The specialist will review your symptoms and determine the most effective method to help you manage these symptoms. They may suggest medication or cognitive treatment for behavioural issues (CBT) or both. Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in the mental health field and have advanced training 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. However, they will most likely consult with your primary physician or your child's pediatrician prior prescribing any medication to treat ADHD.
Psychiatrists and psychologists work closely together to assist you in managing your symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. They will consider the ways in which your ADHD symptoms impact your quality of life and how they affect your relationships, work and your overall wellbeing. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you may have and how they could be affecting your symptoms.
When adhd online assessment uk make an appointment with a psychiatrist, the first thing they will do is ask about your medical history and your lifestyle. They'll also require you to fill out questionnaires that determine the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also seek input from individuals who know you well, such as family members or close friends.
Many people find it difficult to obtain a referral for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This is due to the stigma associated with ADHD, or because a GP might think that your difficulties are due to something else, such as depression or anxiety. Luckily, this doesn't need to be the case.
Online clinics provide ADHD assessments and prescription drugs. Some of them are located in the UK while others are based in other countries. A majority of them accept health insurance, and some offer packages specifically for those who require financial support. Find a practitioner that can help you manage your symptoms and live a happy and fulfilling life.
4. Make a booking
You may be given the option of choosing between private assessments or the NHS Right to Choose pathway in the event that you are referred to an ADHD assessment by your physician. This is a brand new system introduced in 2018 that allows you to choose your mental healthcare provider (such as your psychologist or psychiatrist). This is a quicker procedure than waiting for an NHS appointment. Your GP is not required to refer you to another service.
Once you have chosen the service provider for your private evaluation, they will book an appointment with you. You can choose to have the appointment in person or over the phone, based on your preference. During the exam the doctor will ask you questions about different aspects of your life, including the way your symptoms affect your life. They will also seek input from someone close to you, like a partner, family member or a friend. Then, they will create a report that will be sent to your GP.
During the evaluation your doctor will discuss whether they think you could benefit from medication. It can take a while before you receive a prescription because of the worldwide shortage of ADHD medication.
You may appeal your doctor's decision if she refuses to pay for your ADHD assessment. If you decide to appeal it must be done in writing. This will allow you to highlight any concerns you have about the decision and show the impact it has had on your life. In some instances, CCG will review their decision and approve the funding. If they do not you can call your MP and ask them to help to get the funding approved. You can get a sample letter to give your MP here.