How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. 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 assess your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories - 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 talking. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out a different one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate 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's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to do this in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have 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 from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to your GP. They also have more info an inventory of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.