How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to do some work to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually involves a survey and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can utilize your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be happy to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
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 download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, since the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've performed in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert 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. It 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 ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When developmental history go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to 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 has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to assist you.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly for women or people of color, as well as those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to a GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students allowance.