How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
For those of you looking to be diagnosed with ADHD the process can appear daunting. But, it doesn't need to be.
The typical process starts with a visit to your GP where you will be able to have an open, honest discussion about your symptoms and how they have affected your life since childhood.
1. Speak to your doctor
GPs should consider your concerns regarding ADHD seriously and ask questions regarding how the symptoms affect your life. They should also determine if they believe you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and what next steps are.
They may decide to refer you to a specialist clinician for a diagnostic assessment. You might be required to fill out a form that will help the specialist determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms can usually be completed online prior to your appointment. Before you go to the appointment, it's a good idea for you to learn about the different symptoms (traits) of ADHD and note down some examples of how they impact you.
The specialist will review the forms you've completed and then schedule a meeting with you. It is likely to be in person but it may be via phone or through Skype should you prefer. They will determine if you fit the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and also consider any other mental health issues that may be causing difficulties. They will also ask whether you're thinking of using medication to manage your symptoms, and will explain the advantages and disadvantages of this choice.
If you decide to take 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. This is due to the fact that GPs are not specialists, and they can only 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.
what is it worth is possible to self-refer for a confidential assessment of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Psychiatry-UK have a great guide to this on their website here. It is recommended to discuss this with your GP to make sure they understand why you want an appointment with a private doctor. If your GP refuses to refer you for any reason or refuses to make a referral, it might be time to look for another GP.
2. Have your GP to refer you to a
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, it is important to talk to your GP about the symptoms. Being diagnosed can bring some relief and allow you to know more about the condition. The process may seem daunting, but those who wish to live as full as they can will appreciate the effort.
When you talk to your GP make sure you be clear about why you think you or your child might have ADHD. Your GP should take this seriously and will likely require you to fill in an instrument for screening. You must be prepared to explain your symptoms in detail, for instance, if you have difficulty managing your time or losing items frequently.
Depending the location you live in depending on where you live, you might have to wait a few days for an ADHD assessment with the NHS. There are, however, private ADHD treatment providers who can offer you an appointment in a shorter time. These professionals are often recommended by the NICE guidelines and have established track records. They are also able to provide a more comprehensive assessment and medication treatment, when needed.
In England If your GP will agree to refer you for an ADHD assessment you are entitled to choose your provider. This is referred to as the Right to Choose process. You can learn more about this on the NHS website. Psychiatry UK the primary provider of RTC in the UK has a guide with 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 regarding your medical background as well as your family history and any health issues you are currently facing. The specialist will use symptom checklists and interviews with your parents, spouse, and other family members who know you to determine the severity of your symptoms.
If you decide to use medication for ADHD You will typically be sent back to your GP after a 25-minute appointment with the psychiatrist. Your GP will renew the prescriptions, and you can go to an ADHD specialist for additional treatment such as CBT or a trial of ADHD medication.
3. Find a Psychiatrist and Psychologist
Your GP will recommend you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an ADHD assessment. This specialist will discuss your symptoms and determine the most effective way to assist you in managing your symptoms. They may recommend medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or both. Psychiatrists have advanced psychology qualifications and are experts in the field of mental health. They can 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. They will talk to your child's primary physician or pediatrician before prescribing any ADHD medication.
Psychiatrists and psychologists work closely together to assist you in managing your symptoms and formulate an effective treatment plan. They will assess how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life at work, your relationships and your overall health. They will also look at any other health issues you may have and how these might be contributing to your symptoms.
When you schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist the first thing they will do is inquire about your medical history and your lifestyle. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They might also request that you share your experiences with people who know you well, such as family members or close friends.
Some people have difficulty to get a referral request for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This could be due to the stigma associated to ADHD or the fact that a GP may believe that your issues are due to something else, such as depression or anxiety. This does not always have to be the situation.
Online clinics provide ADHD assessments and prescription drugs. Some of these are based in the UK while others are located in other countries. Some of them take health insurance, while others offer special packages for people who require financial assistance. It is crucial to conduct your research to ensure that you find a practitioner who can assist you in managing your symptoms and lead a healthy and happy life.
4. Make a booking
You may be given the choice of a private assessment or the NHS Right to Choose pathway when you are recommended for an ADHD assessment by your physician. This is a brand new system that was introduced in the year 2018, and it grants you the legal right to choose your mental health practitioner (for instance, your psychiatrist or Psychologist). This is a quicker procedure than waiting for an NHS appointment. Your GP is not required to send you to a different service.
Once you have chosen the provider of your private evaluation, he or she will schedule an appointment with you. This can be in person or via the 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 ask for input from a person who is close to you, like your spouse, family member or a friend. They will then prepare an outcome report that they will forward to your GP.
During the examination, your doctor might discuss whether you could benefit from taking medication. Due to the shortage of ADHD medication, it can take some time before you are given an order, so this is something that you should be aware of.
You can appeal your doctor's decision if she refuses to pay for your ADHD assessment. If you decide to appeal it is essential that you do so in writing. You can then highlight any concerns you have regarding the decision and provide evidence as to the impact it has had on you. In certain cases, CCG will review their decision and approve the funding. If they don't, you can request your MP's assistance to get your funding approved. You can find a sample letter to give your MP here.