How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider 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 assess you through a structured interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You could also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure 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 appears like. This makes it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have a lot of practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England You can select which location to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to utilize your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your GP
If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP particularly in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, since the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.
There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the condition.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose which provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". 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 times of the provider before you contact 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 at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.
It is also advisable to consult your GP to consider the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider 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 may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer for a private assessment. The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for taking this step on their website that includes template forms that you can give to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.
A private assessment will usually be a little longer more info than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth 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 different settings and situations, it is usually helpful when you have family members or a friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.
They will tell them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you meet the criteria they will give reasons, and you can request a second referral.
After receiving a diagnosis, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. For example, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.