How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurer to determine the status. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through an independent service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to get a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, as the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't 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 because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected 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 service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
You should be aware read more that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are 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 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
You should also consult your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women or people of color, as well as 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. They also have a list of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should get a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.