How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for a long time, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to evaluate your symptoms and impact on various aspects of your life. They will require documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.

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. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is 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. Medical professionals don't have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have identified one. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. While it is essential to be comfortable getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to accept less than you deserve.

Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.

Ask your GP

If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your adhd diagnosis for adults.

Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth changing your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life.

After a diagnosis is made the doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student then 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 from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Also, adults don't receive treatment. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.

Right to Choose

If you reside in England, and Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the service. This is called the "Right to Choose". The only requirement for the provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also find out the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.

It is important to note that general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable 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 doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis.

It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and select a different provider.

If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.

It is also advisable to consult your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can request an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women as well as people of color and those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can provide to a GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.

A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include a structured interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with a diagnosis.

They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will tell you why and you may request a second referral.

After you have received an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.

Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. It is essential to receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. If you're a student at a university, for example you may request an assessment. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.