How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for an independent service. Make sure my latest blog post has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll need to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student 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 have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are 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 GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the 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 select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to support.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for doing this on their website that includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. If you're an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.