How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for another one. It is essential to be able to trust your doctor but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. 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 with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. how to get diagnosed with adhd is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. 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 of the provider prior to contacting them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately when you don't wish 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 becoming more prevalent, especially for women as well as people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often helpful to have family members or a acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and request an additional referral.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.