How to Get a ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
The process of getting an assessment for ADHD is a challenge for those who are interested. However, it does not have to be.
The typical process begins with a visit at your GP where you can have an open and honest discussion about the symptoms and how they have affected your life since your childhood.
1. Talk with your doctor
The GPs you consult with should take your concerns about ADHD seriously and ask you questions regarding how the symptoms affect your life. They should also discuss whether they think you meet requirements for a diagnosis of ADHD, and what the next steps should be.
They may refer you to a specialist clinician to determine a diagnosis. You may be asked to fill out a form which will help the specialist determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. These forms are usually completed online before your appointment. Before you go to the appointment, it is an excellent idea to learn about the different symptoms (traits) of ADHD and record some examples of how they impact you.
The expert will review the forms you've filled out and then arrange a consultation with you. This will probably be in person but it may be via phone or via Skype in case you prefer. They will determine if you meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis and also consider any other mental health issues that are causing problems. They will inquire if you've considered taking medication to manage symptoms and then explain the pros and con of this option.
If you decide to go down the medication route, your doctor will ask you if you are happy for them to share your prescription with your GP under a shared-care agreement. They will then request your GP to prescribe the medication and book follow-up appointments with you.
It is worth noting that if you're not on the NHS your GP is not required to refer you to an assessment of ADHD. This is due to the fact that GPs are not experts, and are able to refer you to an expert for a diagnosis of 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 assessment of ADHD in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Psychiatry-UK have a great guide on their website here. However, it's a good idea to discuss this with your GP first, so they know why you are seeking private referral. If they're reluctant for any reason, or are unable to refer you at all it could be time to find another GP.
2. Request your GP for a referral
It is important to discuss the symptoms with your GP when you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. A diagnosis can provide relief and assist you in learning more about your condition. It can be a daunting process, but those who wish to live as full as they can will be able to justify the effort.
Tell your GP why you think you or your child might have ADHD. Your GP should be aware of this and will probably require you to fill in a diagnostic screening tool. You should also be prepared to give them examples of your symptoms, for example trouble with time management or frequent loss of items.
Depending on where you live depending on where you live, you might have to wait a while for an ADHD evaluation with the NHS. There are private ADHD treatment providers that can provide a faster 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 should be referred to an ADHD assessment. This is called the 'Right to Choose' pathway. You can find out more about this on the NHS website. The Psychiatry UK, the primary provider for RTC in the UK provides a comprehensive guide to the process, which includes templates for forms you can use to convince your GP to refer you.
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 involve a medical interview, which will ask questions regarding your medical background as well as family history and current health concerns. The specialist will also use symptoms checklists as well as interviews with your parents or spouse and input from others who know you well to assess your symptoms and how they impact your daily life.
If you decide to take medications for ADHD typically, you'll be discharged back to your GP after a 30-minute appointment with a psychiatrist. Your GP will renew your prescriptions and you may then visit your chosen ADHD specialist for further treatments such as CBT therapy or the possibility of a trial of ADHD medication.
3. Find a psychiatrist and Psychologist.
Your GP will recommend you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist for an ADHD assessment. This specialist will discuss your symptoms and determine the most effective method to help you manage them. They may recommend medication, cognitive therapy for behavioural problems (CBT) or both. Psychologists have advanced degrees in psychology and are specialists in mental health. They are able to prescribe medication in Idaho, Illinois and Iowa as well as the Public Health Service and Indian Health Service. They will talk to your child's primary care doctor or pediatrician prior to prescribing any ADHD medication.
Psychologists and psychiatrists work closely to develop an effective treatment plan and manage your symptoms. They will examine the ways in which your ADHD symptoms impact your quality of life and how they affect your relationships, work and your overall wellbeing. They will also take into consideration any other health issues you have and how they may contribute to your symptoms.
When you make an appointment to see a psychiatrist, they'll begin the assessment process by asking about your medical history and lifestyle. They'll also ask you to fill out questionnaires that assess the extent of your symptoms and how they impact 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 get a referral request for an ADHD assessment from their GP. This could be due to the stigma associated to ADHD or due to the fact that the GP may believe that your difficulties are due to other issues, such as depression or anxiety. Fortunately, this doesn't necessarily have to be the situation.
Online clinics provide ADHD assessments and prescription medications. Some of these clinics are located in the UK and others in other countries. Some of them accept health insurance and others offer special packages to people who are in need of financial assistance. It is important to do your research to ensure you find a doctor who can help you manage your symptoms and lead a happy and fulfilling life.
4. Make an appointment
You could be offered the choice of an individual assessment or the NHS Right to Choose pathway if you are referred for an ADHD assessment by your physician. This is a new system introduced in 2018 that gives you the right 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 need to refer you to a different service.
Once you've selected the person who will conduct your personal evaluation, he or she will set up an appointment with you. This could be in person or by telephone, depending on your preference. During the examination your doctor will question you about different aspects of your life, including how your conditions affect your life. They might also ask your family members to provide their opinion like your partner, family or a close friend. They can then prepare an outcome report that they will then send to your GP.
During the examination your doctor will determine if they think you would benefit from medication. Due to the global shortage of ADHD medications, it may take some time before you get a prescription, and this is something you must be aware of.
If your GP refuses to fund your ADHD assessment you are able to appeal their decision. However, if you decide to do this, it is important that you do so in writing. You can then highlight any concerns that you might have about the decision, and provide evidence of the impact it has had on you. In camhs adhd assessment , CCG will review their decision and approve funding. If they don't, ask your MP to help in getting your funding approved. Here is an example of a letter you can present to your MP.