How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting an extended period you can ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children don't be able to overcome ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the service. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS get more info Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also find out the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable 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. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. 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 complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD assessed. 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. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from 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 growing issue particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to making this request on their website which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial to have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reason and you can ask for a referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if 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 obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.