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 the right to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Many medical professionals do not have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether 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. You can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing 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 accepts to refer you, you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. 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 including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your experience 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 friend or family member to support you.
diagnosis for adhd in adults ADHD Diagnosis should also consult your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. In addition, you can 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 concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your university. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.