How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through an individual provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for a different one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze 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. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed along with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP agrees to refer you, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, because the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, 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're a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred to 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 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 find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is worth noting that GPs are only 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 need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior 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 is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for doing this on their website that includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and you may request an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could save you money over time.
You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.