How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you have health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an independent service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish a diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. 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. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse), which will include 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 clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you 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 are refusing for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're a university student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
adult adhd diagnosis uk will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit have your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
You should also consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for making this request on their website that includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will tell you why and ask for an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.