How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting a long time you can consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will request documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth switching your GP particularly when you intend to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you're a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. 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 methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. I Am Psychiatry UK can save you money over time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should get a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your school. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.