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 you can request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is particularly important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example 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 adhd uk diagnosis will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the service. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider different options for your medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to the GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often beneficial when you have family members or a acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.