How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting 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 preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You could 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 a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to utilize your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on 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 along with the interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report 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 as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling 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 which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long, you can 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 visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they offer 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 for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often helpful to have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and ask for a second referral.
After you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.