How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP 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 grants patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They will require evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt for an independent service. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose where to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
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 interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If get adhd diagnosis decline for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It's not easy to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by 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 service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately 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 becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can give to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The interview will cover various 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 a good idea to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will give reasons and you may request an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. If you're a student at a university, for example you could request an assessment. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.