How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers called Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.

Find a Psychiatrist

They can prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you are insured the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private provider. But, ensure 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 to be. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.

If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you should not settle for less.

Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet 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 choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.

Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for treatments an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how to get diagnosed with adhd you've been performing in various areas of your life.

After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best 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 will be provided with an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you're a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication for you.

There are many professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children don't be able to overcome 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 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 Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is important to note that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should 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 send to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.

It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for support.

Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can provide to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and issue an assessment.

They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and request a second referral.

After you have received a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.

It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is important that you receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.