How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time 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 preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly important when you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for another one. It is crucial to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to 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 convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating 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 are unable to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP in particular in the event that you plan to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
After adult adhd diagnosis will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make 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 can be challenging to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you find out the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken 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 time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy 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 growing problem particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. 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 inventory of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
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 don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why and ask for another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is 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 an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can save you money over time.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. If you are an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.