How To Tell If You're At The Right Level For How To Get An ADHD Diagnosis UK How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

GPs can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for a long time, consult your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their preferred provider.

A psychiatrist will assess your condition through a structured clinical interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records - 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 have health insurance, the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You may also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance, you may choose to go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and don't have a lot of practical experience with it. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms.

It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is particularly crucial when you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for a different one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician however, you should not settle for 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 different social situations. The psychologist will review your results to determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you can choose where to get your NHS assessments. The NHS provides a list of providers, and you can use your right to Choose to select the provider that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this would involve a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will give you more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.

Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print an example and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is crucial since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life right now. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life.

After you've been diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a student it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. This makes the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't receive treatment and that children grow out of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the condition.

Right to choose

If you live in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is called 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 also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by calling directly or asking your GP for more details.

It is worth noting that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems which includes adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can use your Right to Choice and choose a different provider.

You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview ahead of time and have someone from your family present to assistance.


Ask your GP about options for medications. diagnosing adhd might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can have 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 for women, people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. The majority of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private assessment will usually be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is usually helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.

They will inform you if you believe that you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will explain the reason and you can ask them to refer you back.

After receiving an diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could save you money over the course of time.

It is not recommended to depend on getting an ADHD diagnosis via the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. It is crucial to receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure that you get the most effective results. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Student's Allowance.