How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for an extended period, consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt for a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining 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 be challenging to find a professional that will listen and understand your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to send you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. adhd diagnosis uk adults will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into medication options for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly for women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for taking this step on their website that includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The session will cover different 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 usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain why and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. If you are a university student, for example you could request an assessment. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.