How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present 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 will agree to the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, as the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". 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 also know the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to think about possible different options for your 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 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 may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to a GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.
They will tell 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 think you meet the criteria, they will explain why and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to go down the route of 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 via your GP. This could save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is essential to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your school. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.