How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. 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 recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You may be told 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 professional who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you live 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 which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes 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 do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
in the know is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why, and you can ask for a second referral.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.