How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you are waiting a long time you can ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.

A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might request your childhood history and school reports.

Find a psychiatrist

They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You could also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to identify people with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.

It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have discovered one. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about searching for an alternative. It is crucial to be able to trust your physician but you should not settle for less.

Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually 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 the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.

Ask your GP

If you have a GP who has good understanding of adhd diagnosis for adults they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.

Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a 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. Making preparations for the interview is crucial since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.

After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who can listen and understand your situation.

Right to Pick

If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you have the legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable 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. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring someone from your family present to support.

You should also consult your GP to consider medication options for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for 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 problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis.

A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family member or Adult ADHD Diagnosis friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis.

They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request 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 may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.

You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there could be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you are an undergraduate student, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.