How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance company to determine the status. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. 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 place 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 provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are unable to do this in any way, it could be worth changing your GP, especially in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that can listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy 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, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to making this request on their website which includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful if you have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.