How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You may also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. 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 worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is particularly crucial when you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. It is essential to feel comfortable with your doctor, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication 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 makes it difficult to receive 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 receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It 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 are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are 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 doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist 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 make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
You should also consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for making this request on their website which includes template forms 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 assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. how to diagnose adhd will also examine your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. If you are a university student, for example you could request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.