How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting an extended period and are not getting an assessment, consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.

A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms are affecting on. They might ask for your childhood records and school reports.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to do some research to locate 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 have identified one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.

Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England you can choose where to receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults adhd diagnosis which can cut wait times significantly.

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 a diagnosis. In the UK this will require 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 conducted as well as the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.

Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out the template and present it to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially 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 weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, because the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've performed in various aspects of your life.

After you've been officially diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend 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 nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes it difficult to receive 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 receive treatment. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who diagnosis adhd is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.

Right to choose

If you reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose the service. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. 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 know the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring a family member present for support.

Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These can include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

private diagnosis of adhd Assessment

You can refer yourself to a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or when your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for doing this on their website which includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in-person.

A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is usually helpful when you have a family member or friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.

They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you again.

After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.

It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.