How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This makes 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 have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. 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 option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, because the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional that can listen and understand your condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is referred to 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 to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
You should also consult your GP to look into different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment 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 notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially for women, people of color and women born to females). The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for taking this step on their website, which includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will tell if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will explain why and request an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is essential to receive a professional, objective 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 support might be available. If you're a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.