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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for an extended period, ask your GP to refer you to Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider. A psychiatrist will examine you through a structured interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They will require documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested. Find a Psychiatrist They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You can also ask your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. Be sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and experienced with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to obtain an assessment. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to locate an adult ADHD expert who can accurately identify your symptoms. It is essential to build an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist once you have discovered one. This is particularly crucial if you are planning to start taking medication for your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out a different one. It is essential to be comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for anything less. Your doctor could recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms 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 select which location to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times. Ask your GP If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will involve an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will provide an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD. Your GP can also help by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print how to get a diagnosis for adhd and give it to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially true if you plan to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you will have to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is important to be prepared for this, since the medical interview will likely focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in different areas of your life. After a diagnosis is made the doctor will give you treatment options. This could include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing care. If you are a university student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you. Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You might be told that 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 specialist who will listen and understand the condition. Right to pick If you reside in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you have the right to choose which provider. This is known as the “Right to Choice”. The only requirement that a 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 find out 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 note that general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to receive 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 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only doctors can make this diagnosis. You should also ask your GP about the waiting times they are currently awaiting for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD evaluated. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview in advance and bring an immediate family member to provide support. You should also ask your GP to consider different options for your medication. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants, however they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant drugs that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment You can refer yourself to an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived assumptions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women as well as people of color and those born female). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to the GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. Most of them offer both online and in-person diagnosis. A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a regular psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then go over their findings and provide you with a diagnosis. They will tell if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask for a referral. After you have received a diagnosis, you are able to then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to get a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this can save you money in the long run. It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool since they can be misleading. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. If you are a student at a university, for example, you can request an assessment. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students allowance.