How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
The process of obtaining an assessment for ADHD can be a daunting task for those who are interested. It does not have to.
get assessed for adhd starts with a visit to your GP where you will be able to have an open and open discussion about your issues and how they've affected your life since your childhood.
1. Talk with your doctor
GPs should take your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask you questions about how symptoms impact your life. They should also discuss if they believe that you are a candidate for an ADHD diagnosis and what the next steps are.
They may want to refer you to a specialist doctor for a diagnostic evaluation. 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 usually be completed online before your appointment. It is also a good idea to learn about the various characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD prior to your appointment and to write down the ways you experience them.
The specialist will review the completed forms and schedule a consultation. It is likely to be in person, but you can also do it over the phone or via Skype If that's the way you prefer. They will determine if you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis and also consider any other mental health issues that may be causing difficulties. They will inquire if you've considered taking medication to manage symptoms and then explain the pros and cons of this option.
If you decide to take medication your doctor will ask if it is okay for them to give you the prescription in conjunction with your GP as part of a shared-care arrangement. They will then ask your GP to prescribe the medication and set up follow up appointments with you.
It is worth noting that if you're not registered with the NHS your GP is not obliged to refer you to an assessment of ADHD. This is because GPs are not specialists and are able to refer you to specialists to determine if you suffer from ADHD after they have established that your symptoms are causing you significant problems in your daily life.
It is possible to self-refer for a private evaluation of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Psychiatry-UK have a great guide to this on their website here. However, it is an excellent idea to discuss this with your GP first to ensure they understand why you are seeking an appointment with a private doctor. If your GP refuses to recommend you for reasons of any kind or refuses to make a referral, it might be time to look for another GP.
2. Have your GP to refer you
If you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD and/or ADD, it is essential to talk to your GP regarding the symptoms. A diagnosis can ease your mind and allow you to learn more about your condition. The process can be daunting, but it is worth the effort for those who wish to live as full as possible.
When you speak to your GP make sure you provide the reasons why you think you or your child may have ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and may request you to fill out a diagnostic screening tool. You should be prepared to provide examples of your symptoms, like trouble with managing time or frequent loss of items.
Depending the location you live in depending on where you live, you might have wait for a while to receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS. There are fortunately private ADHD treatment providers who can offer you an appointment in a shorter time. These professionals are often recommended by the NICE guidelines and their track record is proven. They also can provide a more thorough evaluation and medication treatment when needed.
You have the right to select your provider in England when your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose' pathway. On the NHS website, you can learn more about this. Psychiatry UK, the main provider of RTC in the UK offers a guideline which includes templates you can use to convince the 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 will include a clinical interview, which will ask questions regarding your medical background as well as family history and current health issues. The doctor will utilize symptoms checklists and interviews with your partner, parents and others who know you to evaluate your symptoms.
If you decide to use medication for ADHD, you will usually be discharged to your GP after a 25-minute appointment with the psychiatrist. Your GP will renew the prescriptions, and you may go to an ADHD specialist for additional treatments such as CBT or a trial of ADHD medications.
3. Find a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
The GP will issue a referral to see an Psychologist or a psychiatrist for your ADHD assessment. The specialist will talk with you about your symptoms and determine the best method to assist you in managing these symptoms. They may suggest medication, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), or both. Psychologists have advanced degrees in psychology and are experts in the field of 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. However they'll most likely consult with your primary physician or your child's pediatrician prior to prescribing any medication for ADHD.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work closely to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to manage your symptoms. They will look at how your ADHD symptoms affect your life quality, and how they affect your relationships, work and your personal well-being. They will also consider any other health issues you may have and how they might be contributing to your symptoms.
If you are scheduled to see a psychiatrist, they'll begin the assessment process by asking about your medical history and lifestyle. They'll also require you to fill out questionnaires that evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask you to discuss your experiences with those who know you well, such as family members or close relatives.
Some people have trouble getting a referral from their GP to undergo an ADHD assessment. This could be due to the stigma that is attached to ADHD or because the GP may think that your issues result from something else, such as depression or anxiety. Luckily, this does not need to be the case.
There are numerous online clinics offering ADHD assessments and prescription medication. Some of these clinics are located in the UK as well as others in other countries. A majority of them have health insurance, and some offer special packages for those who require financial support. It is crucial to conduct your research to ensure you find a physician who can help you manage your symptoms and live a healthy and happy life.
4. Make a reservation
If you are referred by your GP to undergo an ADHD assessment, you may be offered the choice to consult a private doctor or the NHS 'Right to Choose' pathway. This is a new system introduced in 2018 that allows you to choose your mental healthcare provider (such as your psychiatrist or psychologist). This is a quicker process than waiting for an NHS appointment. Your GP is not required to refer you to a different provider.
Once you have chosen the individual who will perform your personal evaluation, he or she will schedule an appointment with you. You can choose to have the appointment in person or by telephone, based on your preference. During the assessment your specialist will inquire about various aspects of life, including your symptoms. They will also ask for feedback from someone close to you, such as your spouse, family member or friend. They will then be able to create an outcome report which they will then forward to your GP.
During the exam, your doctor might discuss whether that you could benefit from medication. Due to the global shortage of ADHD medication, it can take a while before you are given an order, so this is something that you should be aware of.
You may appeal your doctor's decision in the event that he or will not pay for your ADHD assessment. If you decide to appeal you must submit your appeal in writing. You can then outline any concerns you have about the decision, and provide evidence as to the impact it had on you. In some instances the CCG could reconsider their decision and accept your request for funding. If they don't, ask your MP to help get funding approved. Here's an example letter you could give to your MP.