How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance provider to find out. You can also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. adhd uk diagnosis makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is particularly crucial when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for another one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse to do this for any reason it might be worth changing your GP in particular when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose which provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they must 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 with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful if you have a family member or friend who can provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will inform you if you believe 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 explain why and you may request a second referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other options to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.