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 gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists 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. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is important to develop a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for a different one. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP, especially if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice 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 medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement that a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and have someone from your family present to assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. adult adhd diagnosis uk might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to a GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may request another referral.
Once 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 and you might be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.