How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You could also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If how to get an adhd diagnosis uk do not have insurance, you can opt to use a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. It is crucial to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from 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, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is important that you receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're an undergraduate student, for example you could request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.