The Guide To How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK In 2023 How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients rights to choose their healthcare providers called Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They will request documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health, and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurer if you're not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is certified and has experience working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.

If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider seeking out another one. It is essential to be comfortable with your doctor but you should not settle for anything less.

Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. The process usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England You can select which location to receive your NHS assessments. You can pick from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD.

Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request for any reason it might be worth switching your GP in particular if you want to to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP accepts to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. The preparation for the interview is essential since it will concentrate on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've performed in various areas of your life.

After you've been officially diagnosed your specialist will advise on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor 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 are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain an assessment or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don't receive treatment. Children are said to grow out of ADHD. It's not easy to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.

Right to Pick

If you live in England and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the service. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is worth noting that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems such as adult ADHD. You may have convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you're not able to convince your GP, you can print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes 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.


Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide assistance.

It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) You can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they offer a useful guide for making this request on their website that includes a template form that you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person.

A private assessment is likely to be slightly longer than a typical psychiatric visit and include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. IamPsychiatry will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations, it is usually helpful if you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.

They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will explain why and you can ask them to refer you back.

After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.

You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tools as these can be inaccurate. You should get a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other options to help ease your symptoms. If you are a university student for instance you may request an assessment. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.