How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will ask for evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes 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 provider if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is included in your network. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
It is important to develop a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. It is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, but you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.
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If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment since you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children don't be able to overcome ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP will send you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can learn more by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.
It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist 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 select a different doctor.
When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to support.
Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be reluctant 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. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to a GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful if you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you why and you can ask for a referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.