How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. 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, then you can go through a private provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP particularly when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is vital since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've performed 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 behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment 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 medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement that a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to receive 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 is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also 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 another provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may ask for a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other options to help ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.