How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talk. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don’t have insurance, then you can go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can make it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You’ll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you’re not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for a different one. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn’t settle for anything less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut down wait times significantly.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP particularly when you intend to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you’ve been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you’ve been getting diagnosed for adhd your specialist will advise on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don’t require treatment because you’re not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It’s not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to choose
If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the ‘Right to Choice’. The only requirement for the 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 to learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you’re unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you’re not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then 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 a GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private adhd diagnosis wales assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in various situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that 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 believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and request an additional referral.
After receiving an diagnosis of adult adhd, it’s up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You’ll need 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 could save you money in the long term.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. You should seek 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 treatment options may be available. For example, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students’ Allowance.