How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out an alternative. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will receive 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 convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. 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 don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. adhd uk diagnosis might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various contexts and situations. 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 tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.