How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Tools To Facilitate Your Everyday Life How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting a long time and are not getting an assessment, ask your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider.

A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories - school reports are sometimes requested.

Find a Psychiatrist

They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You may also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance you can choose an individual provider. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to diagnose the person with ADHD. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.

Once you find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out an alternative. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve.

Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you fit the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce waiting times.

Ask your GP

If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.

Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they are unable to do this for any reason it might be worthwhile to change your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.


If your GP agrees to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. adhd diagnostic is essential to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been performing in various areas of your life.

After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK, from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told you don't need treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t get treated. Children are said to develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your condition.

Right to choose

If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have a right to choose the provider. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement that a 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 also know the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.

It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're not able 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.

Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.

It is also advisable to ask your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat 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 is like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. They offer both online and in-person diagnosis.

A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis.

They will inform you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will explain why and you may ask for another referral.

After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the end.

Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the best possible results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medications, other assistance could be available. For instance, if you are a student, you can obtain an assessment from your university. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.