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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 refer you to the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you have health insurance then the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to get a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial 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, think about searching for an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician however, you shouldn't settle for anything less.
Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and 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 right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis the doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and diagnosis behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.
Right to choose
If you reside in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for a 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 time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.
You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing adhd in adults mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist to receive an adhd diagnosis for adults assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could 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 doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis.
It is also advisable to ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
You can have an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary 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 the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a family or diagnosis friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.
They will let you know if they believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options might be available. If you're an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.
