How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for an extended period and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual provider. 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 appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an assessment. In addition, 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 need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to be comfortable with your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults 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 might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP, especially if you want to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, because the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and understand your condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is worth noting that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It 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 evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you can use your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to assistance.
Ask how to get an adhd diagnosis uk about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have family members or a friend to give feedback. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why and you may request another referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. If you're a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.