How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist’s visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurer to determine the status. You can 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 opt to use an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You’ll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you’re uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. It is important to be comfortable with your doctor, but you shouldn’t settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you’ve been performing in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. 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.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren’t knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain 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 grow out of it. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to Pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the ‘Right to Choose’. The only requirement for a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you’re unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
When you go 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 focus on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life, and how do you get a diagnosis of adhd your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often beneficial when you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After you have received a diagnosis of adult adhd for adhd in adults (Fewpal blog entry), you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You’ll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other support could be available. For example, if you are a student, you may receive an assessment from your school. They can give you suggestions on how get diagnosed with adhd to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student’s Allowance.