How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood records and private Adult adhd diagnosis school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you have health insurance, the cost of your doctor’s visit should be covered. If you’re unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You could also request 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 provider. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don’t have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it’s important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family’s mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP particularly in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is vital since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You’ll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you’ve been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don’t have ADHD because you’re not hyperactive, that adults don’t receive treatment and that children aren’t treated of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the service. This is referred to as the ‘Right to Choice’. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire getting diagnosed with adhd your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren’t enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will focus on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a family member to help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Adult Adhd Diagnosis Assessment
You can refer yourself to an individual assessment in case you don’t want 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, people of color and those born female). The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for doing this on their website that includes template forms that you can provide to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don’t think you meet the criteria they will give reasons and you may ask for a second referral.
After you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the route of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This can save you money over time.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be inaccurate. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other options to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students allowance.