How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients the right to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports.

Find a Psychiatrist

They can prescribe medications for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurer to find out. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private provider. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD is like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately determine the symptoms.

It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for a different one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.

Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England You can choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides 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 provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.

Ask your doctor

If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP agrees to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how to be diagnosed with adhd in adults you've been performing in various aspects of your life.

After you've been officially being diagnosed with adhd as an adult, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't need treatment since you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Or that children will grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.

Right to Choose

If you live in England and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement that a 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 find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.

It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to 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 assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.

When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to help you.

Ask your GP about medication options. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs 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

You can have an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women, people of color and those born female). The primary provider of these is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to making this request on their website that includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.

A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.

They will tell you if they believe that you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will explain the reasons why and you can request for a referral.

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

You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other support could be available. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could obtain an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.