How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for an extended period, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talk. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to be able to trust your physician but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether 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 are able to use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth switching 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 refer you, then you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in adults may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for taking this step on their website that includes template forms that you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often helpful to have family members or a friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and ask for an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're a student at a university, for example, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.