How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for for a long time you can ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.

Find a Psychiatrist

They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're unsure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance company to find out. You may also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you may opt to use an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an assessment. 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 need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.

It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to be able to trust your physician, but you should not settle for less.

Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable 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 with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be conducted along with the interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to do this in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.

Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist 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 it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or here that children will grow out of ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional that can listen and understand your condition.

Right to choose

If you live in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to select the provider you want to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also know the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, 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 GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.

You should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.

If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for the interview and bring a family member to support you.

It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main provider of these is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for doing this on their website which includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in person.

A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful when you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.

They will inform them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will give reasons and request another referral.

After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This could save you money over time.

Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure that you get the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.