How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will request 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 may also provide talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for a different one. While how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These 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 at a university Your doctor may suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also find out the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give 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 this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to support.
You should also consult your GP to consider different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for making this request on their website that includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.