How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance company 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 may choose to go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can be a problem when trying to establish an assessment. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for an alternative. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment 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.
There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make it difficult to get an website 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 get rid of it. It's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the condition.
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 which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement that a provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to receive 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. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is usually helpful when you have a family member or acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will give reasons and ask for an additional referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is important that you obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other support may be available. If you are an undergraduate student for instance you may request an assessment. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.