How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an independent service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for another one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can utilize your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth switching 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, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You'll 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 physician will provide you with advice on 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 a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a university student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to here pick
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the service. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to consider medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for taking this step on their website, which includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful when you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over time.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.