How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can choose to go through an individual service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will check here be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and understand your condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice 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 have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial when you have someone in your family or a close friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will give reasons and request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.