How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much hands-on experience with it. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is particularly important if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for a different one. It is important to feel comfortable with your physician however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating 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 refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as 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, that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. 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 find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, 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 doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time check here for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to look into different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to a GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can ask for an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. If you're a university student, for example you could request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.