How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for an alternative. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask how to get an adult adhd diagnosis
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are unable to do this for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP, especially when you intend to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It may take a lot of 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 will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to find out the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
You should also consult your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to a GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will explain why, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. For example, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.