How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults are waiting an extended period 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 provider.
A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a psychiatrist
They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to determine the status. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish a diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.
Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out a different one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.
Your doctor could recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.
Ask your doctor
If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could influence 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. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.
If your GP will agree to refer you, you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You will be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.
After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will give you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to Choose
If you reside in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you learn about the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you could use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to support you.
It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color, and those who are assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.
A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is usually helpful if you have family members or a friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.
They will tell if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again.
After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long term.
It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. For instance, if are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.