How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you want 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 especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. 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 a legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is click here also recommended to know the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and request an additional referral.
Once you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over time.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.