How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time you can request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD looks like. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for an alternative. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, since the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues 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 not able 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. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis should also inquire with your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to assistance.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to look into medication options for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website, which includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often helpful when you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other options to help ease your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.