How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time you can ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance company to find out. You can 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 provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once 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 searching for another one. It is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth switching your GP in particular if you want 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 have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement 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 aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting 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 therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like 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 you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask for a referral.
After you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your university. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.