Why How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Is More Difficult Than You Think How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients rights to choose their providers - known as Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will request documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.

Find a psychiatrist

Psychologists specialize in mental health and they may prescribe medication to treat ADHD. They can also offer therapy for talking. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of your psychiatrist's visit will be covered. If you're unsure if the psychiatrist you are seeking is within your network, call your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private provider. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to get an assessment. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You'll need to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately.

It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is important, especially in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider searching for another one. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than you deserve.

Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. The typical assessment involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. 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 where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can dramatically reduce the time it takes to wait.

Ask your GP

If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) and will involve questionnaires about ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD.

Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they decline for reasons of any kind, it might be worth switching your GP. This is particularly relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is essential to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life.

After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. 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 including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to receive an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't receive treatment and that children aren't treated 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 is in agreement that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.

It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand 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 the diagnosis.


I Am Psychiatry should also inquire with your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choose and select a different doctor.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to support you.

You should also ask your GP to consider medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin), dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can refer yourself to an assessment privately 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 increasing particularly among women, people of color and women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide that includes templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than an ordinary psychotherapy visit. It will also include an organized interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of your diagnosis.

They will tell you if they believe that you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will explain why and you may request an additional referral.

After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long term.

You should not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any 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 take medications, other assistance might be available. For example, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your school. They can offer advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.