How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through an individual provider. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This can be a problem when trying to establish a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for a different one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer 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 various social situations. The psychologist will then review 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. You can pick from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask how to get an adult adhd diagnosis
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred for 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 unable to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth changing your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various 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 therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university your doctor might suggest an arrangement for shared-care 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 GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. 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 get treated and that children aren't treated of it. It's not easy to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP consents to send 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 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 also recommended that you know the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
You should also consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a rising problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include a structured 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 a good idea to have a family member or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will give reasons, and you can ask for a second referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other support may be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.