How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - 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 the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could 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 opt to use an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You will have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to be able to trust your doctor but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect 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 where to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. 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 a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
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 print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, as the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. Read Far more will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
Once you have received 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 sign an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.