How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will ask for evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You could also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use an individual service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a 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 service provider prior to calling them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get 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 download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too high you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide assistance.
You should also consult your GP to consider different options for your medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as those born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website which includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often beneficial when you have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will explain why, and you can request a second referral.
After 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 and you might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.