How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for an extended period and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They will require evidence, including childhood histories school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurance provider to find out. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and understand your condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also know the waiting time website of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have 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. It includes quotes 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 the waiting time is too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. 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 you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can provide to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why, and you can ask for an additional referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can save you money over time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.