How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting an extended period, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurance provider to find out. You could also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If diagnosis adhd don't have insurance then you can go through a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is important to develop a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, since the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the service. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only condition is that the provider is covered by 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 you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email 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 that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could make use of your Right to Choice and choose a different 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 usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially for women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can provide 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 is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After you have received an assessment, 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 might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.