How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to assess your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You may also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can opt for a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for a different one. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially in the event that you plan to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP will agree to the referral, there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate 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 from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. 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 be able to overcome 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 consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that a 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 know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can learn more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including 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 do this, 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 doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and choose another provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially among women as well as people of color and those who were born female). The main service provider for these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a helpful guide to taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often helpful when you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why, and you can request an additional referral.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your university. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.