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 refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If how to get adhd diagnosed uk are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for a different one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for 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 are able to utilize your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you would like 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 any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the service. This is known 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 know the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to remember that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment in case 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 increasing particularly among women as well as people of color and those who were born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to doing this on their website that includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. 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 often helpful to have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other support might be available. If you are an undergraduate student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.