How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You may also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to be able to trust your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers 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 GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the clinical interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. 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 accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also find out the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give 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.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
I Am Psychiatry
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student for instance you may request an assessment. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.