How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to be able to trust your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't check here require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is referred to as 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 find out about waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted 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.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women, 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 provide to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will inform them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may ask for an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other support may be available. For example, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your school. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.