How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time you can request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They will require evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. Resource is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the service. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide support.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may request another referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.