How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting an extended period, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talk. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of 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 trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly important if you are planning to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician but you should not settle for less.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for 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 to find out the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to note that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to look into different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women, people of color and women born to females). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to obtain a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For example, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.
