How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. You can also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to be comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers 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 provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've performed in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to Choose
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to support.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to look into different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS check here or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful to have family members or a friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving an assessment, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.