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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider – known as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require evidence including childhood history – school reports are sometimes requested. Find a psychiatrist Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you are unsure whether the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to obtain a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately diagnose your symptoms. It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out an alternative. It is essential to be able to trust your physician but you should not settle for less. Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England, you can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to wait. Ask your GP If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could influence your ADHD. Your GP can help you by writing a note informing you that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is particularly true if you plan to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is crucial because it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life at present. You will be asked for examples and to explain how you've been performing in various aspects of your life. After you've been diagnosed, your doctor will provide advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you. There are many professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It's not easy to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the symptoms. Right to Pick If you live in England, and your GP accepts that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the provider. This is called the “Right to Choice”. The only requirement is that the selected provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the service of your choice prior to deciding to contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information. It is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This 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 provider. If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You should prepare for this interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance. Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You 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 you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to the GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in-person. A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than an ordinary appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is usually helpful when you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis. They will tell them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will tell you why and ask for an additional referral. After receiving an assessment, you can decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run. Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. It is essential to receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to take medication, other support could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your school. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.