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 refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you have health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact diagnosing adhd uk if unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask 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. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify people with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly important when you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot 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 may use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in 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. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to look into different options for your medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising 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 to a private evaluation. The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for making this request on their website which includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.