How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to find out. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is particularly important if you are planning to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor could refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student, it is likely website that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to receive an assessment or access 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 can be a challenge to find a professional who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can learn more by contacting 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 illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and bring a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to a GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why and request a second referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.