How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will require evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. adhd adult diagnosis can also provide therapy for talking. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurer to find out. You could also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial 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's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right select the provider you want to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting 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 at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're 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. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could use 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 evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website that includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and ask for another 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 or doctor. You may be able to get an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.