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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that gives patients the right to choose their providers and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview and focus on your different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They might ask for your childhood history and school reports. Find a Psychiatrist Psychologists specialize in mental health, and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They may also provide therapy for talk. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you may opt to use an independent service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to do some work to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly evaluate your symptoms and diagnose you accurately. When you have found a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you are planning to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't have to settle for less than what you deserve. Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis. In England, you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you can utilize your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce the time it takes to wait. Ask your GP If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD and its symptoms, they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to receive an assessment. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This will help to provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence your ADHD. Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download a template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to do this in any way, it could be worth changing your GP particularly if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP will agree to the referral, then there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial, as it will likely focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they are affecting your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to explain how you've been performing in various areas of your life. After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain recommendations for continuing treatment. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend an arrangement of shared-care with your GP to prescribe medication 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 receive a diagnosis or access treatment. iampsychiatry.com might be told that you don't require treatment because you're not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Children are said to develop ADHD. It can be difficult to find a professional who will listen and understand your condition. Right to pick If you live in England and your GP consents to send you for an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choice'. The only condition is that the provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you find out the waiting times of the provider before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP. You should be aware that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may have convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis. You should also inquire with your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough you may exercise your Right of Choice and choose a different GP. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a family member to support you. You should also seek advice from your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment You can have a private assessment if you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent particularly for women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in-person. A private appointment is typically just a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is often helpful to have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and inform you of the diagnosis. They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if a different condition is more likely to explain your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will give reasons and ask for a second referral. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long term. You should not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis software as they could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medications, other assistance could be available. If you are an undergraduate student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.