How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can 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 to go through an individual service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different 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 where to get your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction 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 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 give to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. adhd uk diagnosis makes it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to choose
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and have someone from your family present to assistance.
You should also consult your GP to look into medication options for you. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately if 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 a problem that is growing particularly for women, people of color and 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 a GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is usually helpful when you have family members or a acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for your 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 could be erroneous. It is important that you receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on adhd uk diagnosis and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.