How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to find out. You could also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Many medical professionals do not have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to receive 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 suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason it might be worth switching your GP particularly in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain 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 get rid of it. It's not easy to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, 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 that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are website 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. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and bring a family member present for assistance.
You should also consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try 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 looks like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to making this request on their website that includes template forms that you can give to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is essential to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you can receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.