How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.

Find a psychiatrist

They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. 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 then you can go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine the symptoms.

It is important to develop a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with the one you currently have. It is crucial to feel comfortable with your doctor however, you should not settle for less.

Your doctor could recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS to receive a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.

Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you 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 decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.

Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that 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 difficult to find a professional who will listen and understand your condition.

Right to Pick

If you live 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 service. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.

You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to send you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit 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 look at your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to support you.

Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant medications which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are worried that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK and they have a great guide for taking this step on their website, which includes templates for forms you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and most of them offer online diagnosis and in-person.

A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with the psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is usually helpful when you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.

They will tell you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why, and you can ask for another referral.

After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This could save you money over time.

Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be inaccurate. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure that diagnosis for adhd in adults you get the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your university. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.