How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will assess you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain a diagnosis. A lot of medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for another one. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor but you shouldn't settle for anything less.

Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce waiting times.

Ask your GP

If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might be affecting your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and present 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 will agree to the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is crucial to be prepared for Adult ADHD Diagnosis this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've been performing in different areas of your life.

Following a formal diagnosis, your specialist will offer you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t get treated. Children are said to be able to overcome ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and understand your condition.

Right to pick

If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.

You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make the diagnosis.

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

You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and adult ADHD diagnosis participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to support you.

Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can request an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing particularly among women, people of color and those who were born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for doing this on their website which includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.

A private adhd diagnosis assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.

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

After receiving a diagnosis, it is 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 could save you money over time.

It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they can be misleading. It is crucial to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.