How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can 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 unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to establish a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason it might be worth changing your GP particularly in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will give you treatment options. These may include talk 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 suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. 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's not easy to find a specialist who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". 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 to find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can learn more 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 at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If adhd diagnostic ADHD Diagnosis are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to support.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women, people of color and those born female). The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for doing this on their website which includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often helpful when you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.