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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting an extended period, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider. A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They may 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 psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance provider to find out. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD is like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the required training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you accurately. It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is particularly important when you plan to begin taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out a different one. It is essential to be able to trust your doctor however, you shouldn't settle for anything less. Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis. In England, you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you can make use of your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait. Ask your GP If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD. Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed in various areas of your life. After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a student at a university Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medications for you. There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. 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 get rid of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms. Right to choose If you reside 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 to Choose”. The only requirement for a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended to find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP. It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make the diagnosis. It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor. If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. adult adhd diagnosis uk is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide assistance. Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment You can refer yourself to an assessment privately 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, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person. A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member give feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and give you a diagnosis. They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why and you may ask for an additional referral. After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time. You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they could be inaccurate. It is essential to get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the best possible results. Based on your situation and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. If you are a university student, for example you could request an assessment. They can provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.