How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for an extended period you can request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize 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 your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurer to find out. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for a different one. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor could recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an 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 make use of your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. get adhd diagnosis could also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, 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 GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise 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 to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
You should also ask your GP to look into medication options for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.