How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
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. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is particularly important when you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing 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 get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. 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 aren't treated of it. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees 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 condition is that the provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try 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 looks like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may request an additional referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. 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 medications, other assistance may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.