How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting for a long time you can ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.

A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You may also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you can opt for an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Many medical professionals do not have the proper 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 determine the symptoms.

It is crucial to establish an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.

Your doctor could refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England You can select where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can use your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.

Ask your GP

If you have an 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 appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.

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. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a brief wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely more info concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.

Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses 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 receive treatment and that children aren't treated of it. It can be challenging to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your condition.

Right to pick

If you live in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment You have a legal right select the provider you want to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement for the provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended to also know the waiting times for the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.

It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to receive 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. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis.

You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.

You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview in advance and have someone from your family present to assistance.

You should also consult your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned female at birth) 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 a GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.

A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include an organized interview with a psychiatrist. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful when you have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.

They will inform you if they believe you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will give reasons and you may ask for an additional referral.

After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication via 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 can be misleading. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can ease your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students allowance.