How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for 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 provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You could also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a university student your doctor might suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be a challenge to find a professional that can listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
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 a right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. 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 read more is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an individual assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women as well as people of color and women born to females). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for doing this on their website, which includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue a 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 do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may ask for an additional referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can 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 essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. If you're a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.