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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 an extended period you can consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.

A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will request evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes requested.

Find a psychiatrist

They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're not sure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, contact your insurance company to find out. You may also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance you may choose to go through a private service. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly important if you are planning to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out another one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you deserve.

Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

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

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Ask your GP

If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can assist you by writing a note informing you that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request for any reason it might be worth changing your GP particularly in the event that you plan to go on 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 wait before you can meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.

After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to nurses and psychologists who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that 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's not easy to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.

Right to Choose

If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement that a provider to be able to 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 contact 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 in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give 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.

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

You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for support.

Ask your GP about options for medications. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and most of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person.

A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical 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 affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial when you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you an assessment.

They will let you know if they believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why, and you can ask for an additional referral.

After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain an agreement on shared-care for medication via your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.

Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medications, other assistance might be available. For instance, if you are a student, you may get an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.