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, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the clinical interview. adhd diagnosis for adults ADHD Diagnosis will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, because the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend 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 a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
You should also consult your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for taking this step on their website which includes template forms that you can give to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and you may ask for an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students the'Allowance.