How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurer to determine the status. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they don't want to do this for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP, especially if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
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, you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
You should also consult your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for making this request on their website that includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an check here in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why and ask for another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you 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 could be erroneous. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other support might be available. If you are a student at a university for instance, you can request an assessment. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.