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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you are waiting a long time you can ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider. A psychiatrist will conduct a structured interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They might request your childhood records and school reports. Find a Psychiatrist Psychologists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talking. If you have health insurance the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You could also ask your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what a person with ADHD is like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of hands-on experience with it. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you. It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've discovered one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than you're entitled to. Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then review 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 the list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly. Ask your doctor If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD. Your GP can also assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out a template and give it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular in the event that you plan to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. 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 be prepared for this, since the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've performed in various areas of your life. After a diagnosis is made, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. adhd diagnosing may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, as well as prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. 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 a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors as well as nurses and psychologists. This can make the process of obtaining 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 get rid of it. It can be challenging to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition. Right to Pick If you reside in England and your GP will refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to select the provider you want to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right of 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 learn about the waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details. It is important to remember that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist in order to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis. You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor. When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a survey and be invited to an interview. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your past experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview in advance and have an immediate family member to provide support. Ask your GP about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. Private Assessment You can refer yourself to an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women as well as people of color and women born to females). The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website that includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person. A private assessment is likely to be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and issue an assessment. They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes 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 an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time. It is not recommended to rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.