How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting a long time, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should 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 specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for another one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your doctor could refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, because the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Pick
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 are entitled to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by contacting 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. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among women, people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can provide to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have family members or a friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you an assessment.
They will inform them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will give reasons and request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
You should not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other support could be available. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.