How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through an individual provider. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for another one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your physician however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on 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 will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason it might be worth changing your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". 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 to learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking read more your GP.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred by 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 print and send to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time 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 go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support.
You should also ask your GP to consider different options for your medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for doing this on their website, which includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
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 don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.