How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for for a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through an individual provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out another one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
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 get an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will suggest 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 makes it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. 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 also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send 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 their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience 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 and bring a family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. adhd adults diagnosis include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned 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 a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will inform them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.