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 you can request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. 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 covered by health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to find out. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt for a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out another one. It is important to be able to trust your physician, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
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 would involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will receive guidance 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 suggest 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 have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. 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 grow out of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the service. This is referred to as the 'Right to 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 also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to 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 issues which includes 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 not able to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to look into medication options for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for 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 might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is read more often helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving an 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 might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. If you are a student at a university, for example you could request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.