How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance company to find out. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out a different one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a university student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement for 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 find out about waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting 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 need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are 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 taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't 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 select a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. adhd diagnosis uk adults will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused 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 help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website that includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will inform them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will explain why and you may ask for a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will have 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 long term.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.