How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting a long time, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Medical professionals don't have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree 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 affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and understand your condition.
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 a right to choose which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor 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 can use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
You should also seek advice from your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat 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 may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK They have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will 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 to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance, you can request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.