How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to identify people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask how to get an adult adhd diagnosis
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a university student your doctor might suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that visit the next document don't be able to overcome ADHD. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially among women, people of color and those who were born female). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website that includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often helpful if you have a family member or acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell them if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may ask for an additional referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.