5 How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Lessons Learned From Professionals 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 request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.

A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports.

Find a psychiatrist

They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also request your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through an individual provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.


Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. diagnosis for adhd can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. Medical professionals don't have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.

Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for a different one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not have to settle for less than what you deserve.

Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.

Ask your doctor

If you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help give more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.

Your GP can also help by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. Print a template and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning 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 weeks before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.

After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural 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 are a student, it is likely that your specialist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that will listen and understand your condition.

Right to pick

If you reside 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 which provider. This is called the "Right to Choice". The only requirement for the provider to be able to offer the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you find out the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.

If you are undergoing an 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 experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.

Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can refer yourself to an assessment privately if you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly among women, people of color and those born female). The main service provider for these is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for doing this on their website, which includes templates for forms you can give to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include a structured interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.

They will let you know if they believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria they will give reasons and ask for an additional referral.

Once you have received a diagnosis, you are able to decide whether you want to pursue the path of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.

Do not depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to accept medication, other support might be available. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They can offer suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.