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 very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is particularly important when you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student at a university, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to Pick
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 called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable click here to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email 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 this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that 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 are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful if you have family members or a friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask for a referral.
After you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other options that can ease your symptoms. If you're an undergraduate student, for example you could request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.