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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting an extended period, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider. A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories – school reports are sometimes requested. Find a Psychiatrist They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurer to find out. You may also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through an individual provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms. It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. It is important to be comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less. Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. how to get adult adhd diagnosis can pick from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount. Ask your doctor If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, since the medical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various aspects of your life. After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you. There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition. Right to Choose If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP. It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis. Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider. When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for support. It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD. Private Assessment If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for making this request on their website that includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis. A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment. They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and ask for a second referral. After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time. It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other options to help ease your symptoms. If you are a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.