How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting for a long time you can ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can make it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not 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 typically involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason it might be worth changing your GP in particular if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to pick
If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. adhd uk diagnosis can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned 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 were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why and request an additional referral.
Once you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. If you are a university student, for example, you can request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.