How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychologists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You may 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, you can choose an individual provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.
If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for another one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for 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 can utilize your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will give you a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.
Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially 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 short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for this, because the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student then 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 nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make 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 live in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment You have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". 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 know the waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.
It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, 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 this diagnosis.
Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider.
If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to 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 impacted 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 support you.
It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to think about possible the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied 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 especially for women, people of colour and those assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to making this request on their website which includes template forms that you can hand 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 assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful when you have family members or a friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.
They will inform you if they believe that 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 the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.
After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.
It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other support may be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.