How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients rights to choose their provider - known as Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to assess your symptoms and the impact on various aspects of your life. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records school reports may be requested.

Find a psychiatrist

They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also provide therapy for talking. If you are insured the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You could 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 to go through a private service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Medical professionals don't have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to do some research to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can diagnose your symptoms.

When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan to start taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for a different one. It is essential to feel comfortable with your physician but you should not settle for less.

Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist with ADHD for a medical evaluation. This usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you can choose the location where you will get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of providers, and you are able to 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 can cut down the time it takes to wait by a significant amount.

Ask your GP

If you have a GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview with a psychiatrist or 9326527 [check] psychologist (not nurse) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be performed in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be influencing your ADHD.

Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth switching your GP. This is particularly applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP does agree to make the referral then there will be a brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to discuss how you have been functioning in different areas of your life.

After a diagnosis is made your doctor will provide you with treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and 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 student it is likely that your doctor will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.

There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have a lot of knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This can make getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children get rid of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the symptoms.

Right to choose

If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only condition is that the provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting time of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.

It is important to note that general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to convince your GP, you can print and download an email 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.

Ask your GP what their current waiting time is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different GP.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview in advance and have a family member present for assistance.

It is also advisable to seek advice from your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a variety of non-stimulant drugs which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with ADHD.

Private Assessment

If you're not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a growing issue especially for women, people of color and 9326527 those who were deemed female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can provide to a GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person.

A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal psychiatric appointment and will include a structured interview with your psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations, it is usually helpful to have family members or a friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a diagnosis.

They will inform them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will give reasons and ask for an additional referral.

Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you want to pursue the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This can help you save money over the course of time.

You should not rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. It is recommended to get a qualified and unbiased assessment in order to get the best results. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medications, other assistance could be available. If you are a student at a university for instance you could request an assessment. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.