How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting for a long time, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.

Find a psychiatrist

They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talk. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance provider to find out. You can also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD appears like. This makes it difficult to recognize people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.

If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out another one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.

Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.

Ask your doctor

If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This is to help provide a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP will agree to the referral then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.

After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement 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 it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or here that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.

Right to choose

If you reside in England and your GP agrees to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.

You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.

If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has 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.

It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to look into different options for your medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website which includes a template form that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.

A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often beneficial when you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.

They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will explain why and request an additional referral.

After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.

Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. If you are a university student for instance you could request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.