How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for an extended period, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes 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 company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have much hands-on experience with it. You'll need to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. 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.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Pick
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 the right to choose the service. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only condition is that the provider is covered by 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 provider before you contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order 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 a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly among women, people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you meet the criteria 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 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 will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on adult adhd diagnosis adhddiagnosis.top of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance could be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.