How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will require evidence including childhood history and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will 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 on the internet. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private provider. Be sure to ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.
When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out an alternative. It is crucial to be comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of 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 down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP, especially in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.
After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It can be challenging to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to pick
If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose which provider. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement website is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP.
It is important to remember that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from 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 looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to the GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. The majority of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will give reasons, and you can ask for a second referral.
After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.
You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. If you're a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.