How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You can also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide 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 who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. 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 Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. get more info You can find out more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for support.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at 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 review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will give reasons and you may request an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion 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.
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 important that you receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other support available that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.