How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
After a diagnosis is made the doctor will provide you with treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you're a university student your doctor might suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able to provide the check here service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also know the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then 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 doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to support you.
You should also ask your GP to consider different options for your medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of colour and those assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth 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 examine your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and request another referral.
After you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to go down the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could save you money over time.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other options that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students' Allowance.