How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting for a long time you can ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes 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 health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can opt for an independent service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to get an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor could recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria 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 offered by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to click here manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose which provider. 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 recommended to also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by contacting 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 illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give 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 the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women, people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is often helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. If you're a student at a university, for example, you can request an assessment. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.