How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also request 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 about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for an alternative. It is crucial to be comfortable with your physician but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
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, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, since the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will give you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. 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 therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications 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 assessment or access treatment. 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 grow out of it. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to Pick
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 are entitled to choose the service. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can 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 is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
You should also consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for read more adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can hand to the GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.