How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the required knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may 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 will agree to the referral then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to choose
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement for a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered 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 someone from your family present to support.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they 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 a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial when you have family members or a friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will explain why, and you can ask for a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to obtain a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. If you're a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.