How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their healthcare providers - known as Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.

Find a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You may also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked dealing 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. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is especially important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.

Your GP may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England You can select the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.

Ask your GP

If you have an GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might be influencing your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get adhd diagnosis a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.

After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children will be able to overcome ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and understand your condition.

Right to choose

If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right select the provider you want to refer you to. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement that a 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 that you know the waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling them 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 problems such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and Adult ADHD Diagnosis only doctors 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 can exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider.

If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and to attend an interview. 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. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.

Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can request an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially for women as well as people of color and those born female). The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for doing this 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 many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person.

A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often beneficial to have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.

They will let you know if they believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will explain why and ask for another referral.

After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.

It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other support may be available. If you're a student at a university for instance you may request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.