How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

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

A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will ask for evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.

Find a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you are unsure whether you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You could also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.

It is crucial to establish an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is particularly crucial in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are not comfortable with your current one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.

Your doctor may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England You can choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults, which can reduce wait times significantly.

Ask your doctor

If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.

Your GP can also assist by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse for any reason, it may be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP is willing to make the referral then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in various areas of your life.

Following a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a student at a university your doctor might suggest a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition.

Right to Choose

If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.

It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as 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 do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment 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.

You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.

You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to support you.

It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into medication options for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can request an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is usually helpful if you have family members or a friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue an assessment.

They will inform you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will explain why and you can ask them to refer you again.

After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications via your GP. This can save you money over time.

It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. You should get a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.