How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact 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 which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your right to Choose to select the provider 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 is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to do this for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP particularly when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they check here have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting 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 are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can 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. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people 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 an online guide with templates you can give to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why, and you can request another referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.