How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You can also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.
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 an assessment. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you're a university student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, 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 GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask I Am Psychiatry what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can hand to a GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.
A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with an assessment.
They will inform you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you again.
After receiving an 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 obtain a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end.
You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that you get the best possible results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.