How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence, including childhood histories and school reports are often requested.
Find a Psychiatrist
They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You may also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.
It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is especially important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for anything less.
Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will analyze your results to 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. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your GP
If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
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 download a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is essential since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.
After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication 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 can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.
Right to pick
If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive 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. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.
You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis
If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for making this request on their website which includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.
A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in a variety of settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.
They will tell you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will explain why and ask for an additional referral.
Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your school. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.
