How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if 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. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might 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 a nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If adhd diagnosis uk adults are a university student Your doctor may suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the issue.
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 choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send 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. 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 the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to the GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. 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 contexts and settings. It is often helpful to have family members or a friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why and request an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.