How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will request documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talk. If you have health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. It is important to be able to trust your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about 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 in conjunction with the interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially if you want to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If more info you are a student it is likely that your therapist will recommend 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 it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is referred to as 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 find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as 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 do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and bring a family member present for assistance.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women, people of color and women born to females). The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website, which includes template forms that you can give to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will explain why and you may request another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. If you are a university student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.