How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for an extended period and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much hands-on experience with it. You will have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to be able to trust your physician however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to get your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request 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 agrees to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. who diagnoses adhd will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be challenging to find a specialist who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is called the "Right to 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 that you also find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could 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 have your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can give to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful if you have a family member or acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will give reasons and you may ask for a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could save you money over time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your school. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.