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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period you can consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You may also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
adhd diagnoses have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred 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 accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP in particular when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the service. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that 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 learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give 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 this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy 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 in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes template forms that you can give to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. If you are a student at a university, for example you could request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.
