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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for an extended period and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They may ask for 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. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can choose to go through an individual service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician however, you should not settle for less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a 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 in conjunction with the interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. adhd diagnoses can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the service. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. 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 also recommended that you know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can learn more by calling 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, including adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to have 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 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are 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 fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of 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 an immediate family member to provide support.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to doing this on their website which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other options that can ease your symptoms. If you're an undergraduate student for instance you may request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.
