How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting a long time you can request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You can 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 opt to use an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student at a university Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
adhd uk diagnosis should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide that includes templates 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 slightly longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons, and you can ask for an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.