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, consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request 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 a private provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to be able to trust your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted as well as the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason it might be worth changing your GP particularly if you want to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist 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 much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as 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, or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can 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 doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can have a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially for women as well as people of color and those who were born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for doing this on their website, which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might 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 from the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. If you're a university student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.