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 you can request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could 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. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to get your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason it might 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 agrees to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.
Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will provide you with treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment might be told that you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can request a private assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women as well as people of color and those born female). The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for taking this step on their website that includes template forms that you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private appointment is typically 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 afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful when you have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will give reasons and you may request an additional referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your university. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.