How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt for an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to establish a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to be comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might 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) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for 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 to learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to remember that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes 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 convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to assist you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women as well as people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on diagnosing adhd uk and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.