How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. 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 notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required 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 important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know 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 an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women as well as people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can provide to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will also include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful when you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and ask for a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.