How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess 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 crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out an alternative. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not have to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to make use of 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 waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to 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 also help 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 don't want to accept this request in any way, it could be worth changing your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given 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 medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Children are said to develop ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right of 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 recommended that you find out the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give 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 doctors can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring a family member present for assistance.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to look into different options for your medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. adhd diagnosis uk adults -UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can hand to a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your university. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.