How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will request documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to find out. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for an independent service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend 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 are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be challenging to find a professional that can listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable 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. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing 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
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can provide to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial when you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask for a referral.
Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might 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 for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances 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 are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can offer suggestions on check here how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.