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 make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will require 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 insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You could also ask 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 to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for a different one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. getting an adhd diagnosis is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student at a university, 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 including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make 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. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. 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 find out about waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is 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 asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women, people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can provide to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons, and you can ask for an additional referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. If you're a student at a university for instance you could request an assessment. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.