How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. I Am Psychiatry of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about 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 download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
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 obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It's not easy to find a specialist who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right select the provider you want to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected 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 you prefer 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 only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for taking this step on their website, which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask for a referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified 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 example, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.