How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You can also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for another one. It is important to feel comfortable with your physician however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he's referring 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 re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will give you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you find out the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give 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 doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask adhd diagnosis uk what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could 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 if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and ask for an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.