How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time you can ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
It is essential to build a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider looking for an alternative. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.
Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social settings. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could influence your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP, especially when you intend to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you're an undergraduate student your doctor might suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional who can listen and understand your situation.
Right to Pick
If you reside in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right of 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 learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.
You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
You should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can provide to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue a diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will tell you why, and you can ask for an additional referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your school. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.