How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a survey and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can use your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose which provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to assist you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the 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 you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for making this request on their website which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also offer 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 an organized interview. This will cover various 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 a good idea to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why, and you can ask for an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This can help you save 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 here be misleading. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other support available to help ease your symptoms. If you're an undergraduate student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.