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, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurance provider to find out. You can 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 choose to go through an individual service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and 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, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children aren't treated of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. 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 for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request 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 for women, people of color and those who were born female). The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can give to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have someone in your family or a close friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.