How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for 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 insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also ask 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 independent service. Be sure to 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 appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll need to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is especially important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the right to choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't get treated and that children aren't treated of it. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Choose
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider medication options for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide with templates you can hand to a GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful to have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.