How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is 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 then you can go through an individual provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for a different one. It is essential to be able to trust your physician but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. Iam Psychiatry could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an individual assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can hand to the GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often helpful when you have family members or a acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will give reasons and request another referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student for instance you may request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.