How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time you can request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. In addition, many medical professionals are not 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 expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
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 get the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to do this for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you're an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told 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 can be a challenge to find a specialist who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to Pick
If check this site out live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only condition is that the provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to assistance.
You should also consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful if you have a family member or friend to 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 a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. If you are a student at a university, for example, you can request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.