How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician, but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
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 to get a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. adhd uk diagnosis is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student at a university, 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 who don't know much 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 that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement for a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem especially 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 primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for making this request on their website which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist 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 current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain why 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 this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you're a student at a university, for example you may request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.