How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for an extended period and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records - school reports are sometimes requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are insured, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly important when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. It is important to be comfortable with your doctor but you should not settle for less.
Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If how to get diagnosed with adhd will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've performed in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who can listen and understand your condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. 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 contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are 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're not able to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and have someone from your family present to assistance.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to consider different options for your medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can refer yourself to a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can give to a GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer than an ordinary psychiatric visit and include a structured interview. 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 different contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review 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 do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you back.
Once you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.