The One How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK Trick Every Person Should Know How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting for a long time, consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will require evidence including childhood history - school reports are sometimes 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, the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, call your insurance provider to find out. 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 you can choose a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears to be. This can be problematic when trying to get an accurate diagnosis. In addition, many medical professionals are not trained in adult ADHD and don't have much practical experience in dealing with it. You'll need to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.


If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is particularly crucial when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician, you should not be forced to accept less than you're entitled to.

Your doctor could refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a survey and an exchange with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life 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 can choose the location where you will receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.

Ask your GP

If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be able to refer you to the NHS to get an assessment. In the UK it will require a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that could be affecting 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 get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP in particular when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.

If your GP will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, because the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you've performed 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 drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. 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, from GPs to psychologists and nurses who aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive. Or that adults aren't treated, and that children get rid of it. 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 agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to know the waiting times for the provider you prefer before you contact them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP.

It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred by an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send 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 a doctor can make the diagnosis.

You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right to Choice and select a different doctor.

You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a family member to help you.

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

uk adhd diagnosis

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with the psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current state of functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in various settings and situations. It is usually helpful to have a friend or family member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and give you a diagnosis.

They will inform you if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reasons why and you can request for a referral.

After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You may be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can save you money over the course of time.

Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the most effective results. Based on your situation and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other support available to help ease your symptoms. If you're a student at a university for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.