How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP 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 refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance provider to find out. You could 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 choose to go through an individual provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll need to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't 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 involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
get adhd diagnosis can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. 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 recommended that you also find out the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get 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 a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women as well as people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can hand to the GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful to have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and you may ask for a second referral.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.