How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance company to determine the status. 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 can choose a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is particularly important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In adult adhd diagnosis uk can select where to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason it might be worth changing your GP, especially when you intend to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, because the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist 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 aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. 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 challenging to find a specialist who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose which provider 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 to find out about waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
You should also seek advice from your GP to consider medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing 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 request a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially among women as well as people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can request another referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. If you are a student at a university, for example you could request an assessment. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.