How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurer to determine the status. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can be a problem when trying to establish a diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. It is important to be comfortable with your doctor but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP particularly when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you're a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are adhd uk diagnosis of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only condition is that the 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 service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting 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 an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often beneficial to have someone in your family or a close friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and ask for another referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.