How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth switching your GP, especially if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Pick
If you live in England get more info and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to remember that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include a structured interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will give reasons, and you can request an additional referral.
After receiving the 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 get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.