How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They might ask for 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 are covered by health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance company to determine the status. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to recognize someone with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.

It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have found one. This is especially important when you plan to start taking medication for your ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.

Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England you can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly.

Ask your doctor

If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out along with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.

Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular in the event that you plan to 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 prepare yourself for this, because 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 have been functioning in various areas of your life.

After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a university student your doctor might suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who can listen and understand your situation.

Right to pick

If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have a right to choose the service. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.

You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have to convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.

It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting website times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.

If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.

Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can give to the GP. They also have a list of providers 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 an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in various contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and issue an assessment.

They will tell 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 believe you're in the right category, they will give reasons, and you can ask for another referral.

After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.

Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if are a student, you may receive an assessment from your school. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.