How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UKDoctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting 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. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance provider to find out. You can also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services on the internet. 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 worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to establish a diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. 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. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP is willing to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, since the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've performed in various aspects of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for continued care. 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 a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't Get a adhd diagnosis treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose which provider to refer you to. 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 recommended to also know the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more information by contacting the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) 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 give to the GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.
A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how to get adhd diagnosis for adults your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask them to refer you again.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.