How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood history 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. Contact your insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could 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 does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will develop ADHD. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you read more for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is referred to 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 also recommended that you know the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among women, people of color and those who were born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for taking this step on their website which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will cover various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often helpful when you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over time.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. 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. For example, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your university. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.