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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is long, think about asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and the impact on different areas of your life. They will request evidence, including childhood histories – school reports are sometimes requested. Find a Psychiatrist Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your 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 could also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may opt for an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you. It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out a different one. It is important to be comfortable with your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less. Your GP can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England, you have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait. Ask your doctor If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, which includes comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a short time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various areas of your life. After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication 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 finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who can listen and understand your situation. Right to pick If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for 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 Choose'. The only requirement that a 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 find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information. You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental illnesses such as adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make the diagnosis. You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different provider. When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to help you. You should also seek advice from your GP to consider medication options for you. They may not be able to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. diagnosis of adhd may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for 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 might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis. A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often beneficial if you have someone in your family or a close friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis. They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request for a referral. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run. Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. For instance, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your school. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.