How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for an extended period you can request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact classroom behavior if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much hands-on experience with it. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for anything less.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life right now. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
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 the provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required 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 history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to support.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can provide to the GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This could save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. If you're a student at a university for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.