How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced 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 obtain a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for less.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular if you want to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to refer you, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made your doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for continued care. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the issue.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose which provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by 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 before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is worth noting that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues 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 do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
You should also website inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they should remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially for women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary 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 the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful when you have family members or a acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your 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 don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why, and you can request an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.