How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You may also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Medical professionals don't have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various 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 can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. 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 a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose the service. This is known as the "Right to Choice". 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 recommended that you find out the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send 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 download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and select a get more info different 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 center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy 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 problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. If you are a university student, for example you could request an assessment. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.