How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting an extended period you can request 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 evaluate your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask adult adhd diagnosis uk
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist 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 a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen 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 service 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 are general practitioners and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive 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. It 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 the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about the options for 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 Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can give to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have family members or a friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
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 do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.