How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to use 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 your impact on different areas of your life. They might request your childhood history and school reports.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychologists specialize in mental health, and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You may also request your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain an assessment. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much hands-on experience with it. You will have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out another one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to.

Your GP may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer adult assessments online which can cut wait times significantly.

Ask your GP

If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD.

Your GP can also help by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP particularly in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in different areas of your life.

After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on the best treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult get more info to receive an accurate diagnosis or get treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and comprehend 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 the provider. 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 to also find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting them. You can learn 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 disorders such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.

When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will be centered on your past experience with 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 friend or family member to support you.

Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider 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 appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for doing this on their website which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. They also have an inventory of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in person.

A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine 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 go over their findings and provide you with an assessment.

They will inform them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and ask for a second 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 might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication via your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.

You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other resources available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.