Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt for an independent service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. It is crucial to be able to trust your physician however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement that a 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 that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing add diagnosis adult adhd in adults, brewwiki.win explains, mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly for women, people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may ask for a second referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis of adhd tools as these can be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.
