How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will require evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for another one. It is important to be comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, since the interview will be focused on click here how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend 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 nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also know the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, 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 concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask for a referral.
After you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via 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. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. If you're a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.