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. But, it doesn't have to be.
The typical route starts with a visit to your GP where you can have an open and honest discussion about your symptoms and how they have affected your life since your childhood.
1. Speak to your doctor
Your physician should take your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask questions about the symptoms that you are experiencing. They should also discuss if they believe you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, and what the next steps should be.
They may want to refer you to an expert clinician for a diagnostic assessment. You may be required to fill out a form which will help the specialist determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms are usually completed online prior to your appointment. It is also a good idea to be familiar with the various traits (symptoms) of ADHD before your appointment, and note down examples of how you experience these symptoms.
The expert will review the forms you've completed and then set up a time to meet with you. It is likely to be in person but it could also be over the phone or through Skype if you prefer. They will determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD and will also look into any other mental health issues that could be causing problems. They will also ask whether you're considering using medication to manage your symptoms. They will explain the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
If you decide to take medication your doctor will ask you whether it is appropriate 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 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 are able to refer you to specialists for a diagnosis of ADHD if they have assessed that your symptoms are causing serious difficulties in your everyday life.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is possible to refer yourself for an individual ADHD assessment. On their website, Psychiatry UK has a very useful guide on this subject. However, it's a good idea to discuss this with your GP first, so they know the reason you want private referral. If your GP is unwilling to refer you to a specialist for any reason or refuses to make a referral, it might be time to search for another GP.
2. You can ask your GP for an appointment
It is important to discuss the symptoms with your GP if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. A diagnosis may provide relief and allow you to learn more about your condition. It can be a daunting process however, those who wish to live as full as they can, will appreciate the effort.
Explain to your GP the reason you believe you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Your GP will take this seriously and may even ask you to complete a diagnostic screening tool. You must be prepared to describe your symptoms in detail, for instance, if you have difficulty managing time or losing items frequently.
Depending on your location, you may need to wait a few days before you can receive an ADHD assessment through the NHS. There are private ADHD treatment centers that can offer a quicker appointment. These providers are often recommended by the NICE guidelines and have demonstrated track records. They can also provide you with an in-depth assessment and treatment for medication if you require it.
You have the right to choose the provider you want in England if your GP agrees that you are eligible for an ADHD assessment. This is known as the Right to Choose process. On the NHS website you can find out more about this. Psychiatry-UK, the main provider used through RTC in the UK, has a helpful 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 clinical interview that includes questions regarding your medical background as well as your family history and current health concerns. The specialist will also use symptoms checklists as well as interviews with your parents or partner and input from others who know you well to assess your symptoms and how they affect your daily life.
If you decide to take medications for ADHD, you will usually be discharged to your GP after a 25-minute visit with a psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions, and you are able to go to an ADHD specialist for further treatments like CBT or a trial of ADHD medications.
3. Find a psychiatrist and Psychologist.
The GP will provide you with a referral to see an Psychologist or a psychiatrist for your ADHD assessment. This specialist will assess your symptoms and determine how best to manage these symptoms. They may recommend medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or both. Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in the mental health field and hold advanced degrees in psychology. They are able to prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois and Iowa as well as the Public Health Service and Indian Health Service. They will consult with your child's primary care physician or pediatrician first 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 affect your quality of living and interactions, your work, and your overall health. They will also look at any other health issues you might have and how they may be contributing to your symptoms.
When you make an appointment for a consultation with a psychiatrist, they will begin the assessment process by asking about your lifestyle and medical history. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires to evaluate your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They may also request opinions from people who know you well, such as family members or close friends.
Some people have difficulty to obtain a referral for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This could be due to the stigma associated to ADHD or because the GP might believe that your problems are due to something else, such as anxiety or depression. Luckily, this doesn't necessarily have to be the situation.
There are numerous online clinics that provide ADHD assessments and prescription medication. Some of these clinics are located in the UK and some are in other countries. Many of them have health insurance, and some offer packages specifically for those who need financial support. It is important to do your research to ensure you find a practitioner who can assist you in managing your symptoms and lead a healthy and happy life.
4. Make an appointment
You could be offered the option to choose between a private assessment or the NHS Right to Choose pathway if you are referred for an ADHD assessment by your physician. This is a new system that was launched in the year 2018, and it grants you the legal right to choose your mental health provider (for instance, your psychiatrist or Psychologist). This makes the process much quicker than having to wait for an NHS appointment, as there will be no need for your GP to send your referral to a different health service.
Once you have chosen the company for your private assessment They will schedule an appointment with you. You can decide to schedule the appointment in person or over the phone, based on your preference. During the assessment, your specialist will ask you questions about different aspects of your life, including the way your symptoms affect your life. They may also ask someone close to you to share their thoughts for example, your partner, family or a friend. They can then prepare an outcome report that they will forward to your GP.
During the exam, your doctor might discuss whether that you could benefit from medication. It can take a while before you get an appointment due to the worldwide shortage of ADHD medications.
You can appeal to your doctor's decision if he or will not pay for your ADHD assessment. If you choose to do this, it is important that you do so in writing. This allows you to outline any concerns that you have about the decision and demonstrate the impact it has had on your life. In some instances, CCG will review their decision and then approve funding. However, if cost of adhd assessment uk do not you can call your MP and ask them to help to get the funding approved. Here's an example letter you could present to your MP.