How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting for a long time, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can choose to go through a private 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 looks like. This can be a problem when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for a different one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they don't want to do this in any way, it could be worth changing your GP in particular when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to Choose
If you reside 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 provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are 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 taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
You should also consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can 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
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to a GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will include read more a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with 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 characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should get a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.