How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for 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 situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that how to get an adhd diagnosis uk don't be able to overcome ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to choose
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also know the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have 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 doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
You should also seek advice from your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will also include an organized interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will give reasons and you may ask for another referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is essential to receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.