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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You can be referred for the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If you're waiting an extended period you can consult your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their preferred provider. A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms are affecting on. They will request documents, such as childhood records – school reports are sometimes requested. Find a psychiatrist They may prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance, the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You could also ask your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can opt to use an independent service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Medical professionals don't have the proper knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately identify your symptoms. When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. Think about finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with your current one. It is important to be able to trust your physician, but you shouldn't settle for anything less. Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a medical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then look at your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England you have the right to choose which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to select the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers can provide online assessments for adults, which can dramatically reduce wait times. Ask your GP If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK this would involve an interview in a clinic with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires about ADHD symptoms as well as medical history and the mental health history of your family. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be carried out as well as the interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, which includes the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get an example from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to accept this request for any reason it might be worth changing your GP in particular if you want to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP will agree to refer you, you will have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is essential since it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life today. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for a discussion about how you've been functioning in various areas of your life. Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will receive guidance on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you're a student at a university your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medications for you. There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors and nurses, as well as psychologists. This makes it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You might be told you don't require treatment because you are not hyperactive. Also, adults don't get treated. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can take persistence to find a specialist who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue. Right to Pick If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right choose which provider to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right to Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is recommended that you also know the waiting times of the service provider prior to calling them. You can find out more information by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP. It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners and so 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 have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a GP can't refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis. You should also ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different provider. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD evaluated. The interview is typically conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview in advance and bring a family member present for assistance. You should also ask your GP to think about possible medication options for you. They might be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. Private Assessment If you are not happy waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are worried that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem especially for women, people of color, and those who are assigned as female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. They also have a list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in-person. A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include a structured interview. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current performance. They will also examine your symptoms in different settings and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and give you a 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 think you meet the criteria they will give reasons and you may request an additional referral. After receiving the diagnosis, it's up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to sign a shared-care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run. It is not recommended to be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or other self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. It is recommended to get a qualified and impartial assessment to receive the best outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medications, other assistance may be available. For instance, if are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student's allowance.