How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time you can request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurer to find out. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use an independent service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth changing your GP, especially if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to 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 aren't treated of it. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choice". 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 know the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women as well as people of color and those born female). The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. If you are an undergraduate student, for example, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.