How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for for a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.

Find a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You could also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. In addition, many 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 is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms.

When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you deserve.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England You have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.

Ask your GP

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 and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes any comorbidities, which could influence your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are unable to do this for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP in particular if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.

After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you're a university student Your doctor may suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children aren't treated of it. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and understand your situation.

Right to choose

If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for 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 recommended to also know the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.

It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may use your Right to Choice and choose another provider.

You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for support.

You should also seek advice from your GP to look into medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can request an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The main service provider for private these is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for making this request on their website that includes a template form that you can give to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.

A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often helpful when you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.

They will inform you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will explain why and ask for a second referral.

After you have received an assessment, 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 may 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 for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be erroneous. It is crucial to 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 may be available. For instance, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your school. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.