How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for a long time you can request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurer to determine the status. You may also request 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 opt for an individual 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 a person suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
It is important to develop a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is particularly important when you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can utilize your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may 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 will agree to the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. 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.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to 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 condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and more info that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could use your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and bring a family member present for support.
You should also consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of 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 consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.