How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to do this for any reason it might be worth changing your GP in particular in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best 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 a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes 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 get rid of it. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement that a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you know the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. adult adhd diagnosis uk can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that 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 an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual 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 an issue that is increasing particularly among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If adhd uk diagnosis don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.