How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed 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 the person with ADHD. Additionally, 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 do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for another one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they don't want to do this for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP particularly if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student at a university your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you reside 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 the provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by 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 service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able 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 cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
You should also ask your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly for women as well as people of color and those who were born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a helpful guide to doing this on their website, which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an adhd diagnosed in adulthood in-depth interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.