How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurer to find out. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much hands-on experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is important to develop a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is especially important when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social circumstances. 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 offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth changing your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, 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 GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your here current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (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 which includes templates that you can give to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is usually helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other support available that can help with your symptoms. If you are a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.