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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you're waiting for a long time and are not getting an assessment, request your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their provider. A psychiatrist will assess you through a structured interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will ask for evidence, including childhood histories school reports may be requested. Find a Psychiatrist They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance the visits of your psychiatrist should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, you can contact your insurer to determine the status. You may also ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatric specialist or search for local services online. If you don't have insurance you can choose a private provider. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD appears like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an assessment. Many medical professionals do not have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly. If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider seeking out an alternative. It is essential to feel comfortable with your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less. Your GP can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire as well as an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if you fit the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis. In England You have the option of choosing where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers can offer online assessments to adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times. Ask your doctor If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK it will require an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses), which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests can also be conducted in conjunction with the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be affecting your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he's referring you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a brief wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked for examples and to talk about how you've performed in various areas of your life. After a formal diagnosis, your specialist will provide you with treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If how to get adult adhd diagnosis are a student it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you. There are a lot of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining 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 aren't treated of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the condition. Right to Pick If you reside in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is referred to as the 'Right to Choose'. The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to find out the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more by contacting the provider directly or contacting your GP. It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health problems, including adult ADHD. You may have to convince your GP to refer you to a specialist to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make this diagnosis. Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting times are too long, you may make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider. If you are undergoing an ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and to attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or 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 should prepare for this interview in advance and have someone from your family present to support. Ask your GP about the options for medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants but they must be reminded that there are medications that are not stimulant that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. You may also consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, people of color and those who were deemed as female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private evaluation. The main service provider for the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They offer a useful guide for taking this step on their website, which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. They also have a list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person. A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a normal appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and notify you of your diagnosis. They will inform you if you believe you are in line with the ADHD criteria or if a different condition best explains your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign an agreement on shared care for medication through your GP and this can save you money in the end. Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or any self-diagnosis software as they could be misleading. It is essential to receive a professional, objective evaluation to ensure you get the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medications, other assistance may be available. For example, if you are a student, you can get an assessment from your school. They can advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.