How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time you can consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurer to find out. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the medical interview will likely 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 performing in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to select the provider you want to be referred 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 know the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
You should also consult your GP to look into different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to a GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person.
adhd diagnosis uk adults will typically be a little longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include a structured interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will tell you why and ask for an additional referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can ease your symptoms. If you're a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.