How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
If you're trying to get a diagnosis of ADHD the process may appear daunting. But, it doesn't have to be.
The typical process begins with a visit at your GP where you can engage in an open and honest discussion about the symptoms and how they have affected your life since childhood.
1. Talk with your doctor
GPs should be aware of your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask you questions regarding how the symptoms affect your life. They should also determine if they believe you are a candidate for an ADHD diagnosis and what next steps to take.
They may decide to send you to an expert physician for a diagnostic examination. You may be required to fill out a form that will assist the doctor in determining if you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms can be completed online before your appointment. It is recommended to be familiar with the different traits (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment and then write down some examples of how you experience them.
The specialist will review your completed forms and then schedule a consultation. It will likely be in person, but it may be via phone or via Skype should you prefer. They will determine if you fit the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and will also look at any other mental health issues that are causing issues. They will ask if you've thought about taking medication to manage symptoms and will explain the pros and con of this choice.
If you decide to go down the route of medication, your doctor will ask you if you agree to give your prescription to your GP under a shared care agreement. They will ask your GP to prescribe medication and schedule follow-up appointments with you.
If you do not have access to the NHS or the NHS, your GP is not required to refer you for an ADHD assessment. This is because GPs are not specialists, and they can only refer you to an expert for a diagnosis of ADHD when they have determined that your symptoms are causing serious problems in your daily life.
It 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 a good thing to discuss this issue with your GP so they know why you require a private referral. If they're not willing to refer you to refer you to a specialist for any reason, or refuse to even consider referring you, then it might be time to find another GP.
2. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
It is important to discuss the symptoms with your GP in case you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. A diagnosis may provide relief and allow you to learn more about the 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.
Tell your GP the reason you believe you or your child might have ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and will likely request you to fill out an assessment tool for diagnosing. You should be prepared to give them examples of your symptoms, such as problems with time management or frequent loss of items.
Depending on where you live, you may have to wait a few days for an ADHD evaluation with the NHS. Fortunately, there are private ADHD treatment providers who can provide you with an appointment sooner. These professionals are often recommended by NICE guidelines and have demonstrated track records. They can also provide a more comprehensive assessment and medication treatment if necessary.
In England In England, if your GP will agree to refer you to an ADHD assessment you are entitled to choose your preferred provider. This is called the Right to Choose process. On the NHS website you can read more about this. The main provider, Psychiatry-UK used through RTC in the UK offers a useful guide to the process. It includes template forms 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 thorough clinical interview, which will include questions regarding your medical background, family history, and current health concerns. The specialist will use symptom checklists and interviews with your partner, parents and others who know you to determine the severity of your symptoms.
If you decide to take medication for ADHD typically, you'll be discharged to your GP after a 25-minute visit with a psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions, and you can then visit your preferred ADHD specialist for further treatment such as CBT therapy or the possibility of a trial of ADHD medication.
3. Find a Psychiatrist or Psychologist
Your GP will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an ADHD assessment. This specialist will discuss your symptoms and determine the most effective method to help you manage your symptoms. They might suggest medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or both. Psychologists are trained to be advanced in psychology and are experts in the field of mental health. They can prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois and Iowa, as well as the Public Health Service and Indian Health Service. However, they will most likely consult with your primary care doctor or child's pediatrician before prescribing any medication to treat ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists collaborate to create a successful treatment plan and manage your symptoms. They will examine how your ADHD symptoms impact your quality of life and how they impact your relationships, work and your overall wellbeing. They will also take into account any other health issues you have and how they may be affecting your symptoms.
When you have an appointment for a consultation with a psychiatrist, they will start the evaluation process by asking questions about your medical history and lifestyle. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires to determine the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also seek opinions from people who know you personally, such as family members or close friends.
Some people are unable to get an appointment from their GP to undergo an ADHD assessment. This could be due to the stigma associated to ADHD or because a GP might believe that your difficulties are due to other issues, such as anxiety or depression. Luckily, this does not necessarily have to be the situation.
There are many online clinics that provide ADHD tests and prescription medication. Some of these are based in the UK and some are located in different countries. Many of them accept health insurance, and some offer special packages for those who require financial assistance. Find a doctor who can help you manage symptoms and live a happy and fulfilled life.
4. Make an appointment
You could 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 physician. This is a new system introduced in 2018, which allows you to choose your preferred mental healthcare provider (such as your psychologist or psychiatrist). This is a much faster procedure than waiting for an NHS appointment. Your GP will not have to refer you to a different provider.
Once you've selected the company for your private assessment, they will book an appointment with you. You can decide to schedule the appointment in person or over the telephone, based on your preference. During the assessment your specialist will ask you about various aspects of your life, such as your symptoms. I Am Psychiatry may also ask someone close to you for their input like your family, partner or a close friend. They will then prepare an outcome report that they will forward to your GP.
During the exam, your doctor may discuss whether they believe that you could benefit from medication. Due to the shortage of ADHD medication, it can take a while before you get a prescription, so this is something that you should be aware of.
You can appeal to your doctor's decision if they refuse 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 show the impact it had on your life. In certain cases, CCG will review their decision and then approve funding. If they don't, ask your MP to help get funding approved. You can get the sample letter you can send your MP here.