10 Healthy Habits To Use How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.


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

Find a Psychiatrist

They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurer to find out. You can also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose a private service. Be sure to ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to diagnose people with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience with it. You will have to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for a different one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than you're entitled to.

Your GP may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms affect your life in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you can choose which location to receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut down waiting times by a considerable amount.

Ask your GP

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 it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) that will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the clinical interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD.

Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you wish to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, because the interview will concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life now. You'll be asked to present examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.

After a formal diagnosis your doctor will offer you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student, it is likely that your therapist will recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not know much about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't need treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children will develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional who will listen and comprehend your situation.

Right to pick

If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". 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 to also find out the waiting time of the provider before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more details.

school performance is important to remember that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred by a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis.

It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.

When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be focused on your experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It 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 medication options. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can request an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived notions 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 with templates you can give to the GP. On their website, they also provide a list of the providers. They provide both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. This will cover various aspects of your life, and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is usually helpful when you have someone in your family or a close friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of the diagnosis.

They will inform them if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't think you're in the right category, they will give reasons, and you can request a second referral.

After receiving the diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.

You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. You should seek a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to take medication, there may be other support available that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can offer guidance on adjustments that are reasonable as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.