How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. 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 get treated and that children get rid of it. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to 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 a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women as well as people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often beneficial when you have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and request another referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have 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 time.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. If you are a university student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.