How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for an extended period, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurer to find out. You could also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to get a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out another one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to do this for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP in particular when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes 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 a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give 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.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial 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 options that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.