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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You can be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to refer you to the law that gives patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impacts on different aspects of your life. They will request evidence including childhood history 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 the cost of your doctor's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance company if uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP to refer you to a psychiatric expert or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, then you can go through an individual provider. Make sure the Psychiatrist is licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to get a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to properly determine your symptoms and accurately diagnose you. It is important to develop an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is particularly crucial when you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, consider searching for a different one. While it's important to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than you deserve. Your GP may recommend you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The typical assessment includes a questionnaire as well as a discussion with the psychologist about how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social circumstances. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England, you can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers provide online assessments for adults, which could significantly reduce waiting times. Ask your doctor If you have an GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse) that will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be carried out in conjunction with the clinical interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD. Your GP can also assist by writing a letter explaining that you want to be referred for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worth changing your GP, especially in the event that you plan to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP is willing to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is crucial since it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life at present. www.iampsychiatry.uk will be asked for examples and to discuss how you've been performing in various areas of your life. Following a formal diagnosis the doctor will provide you with treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be coached on how to manage your ADHD and will be provided with a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student then it is likely that your therapist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you. There are a lot of professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes GPs, nurses, and psychologists. 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, that adults aren't treated, 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 live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by an outside party, you are entitled to choose the provider. 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 to find out the waiting times for the provider prior to contacting 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 are therefore not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need 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. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis. Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD evaluation. If the waiting time is too long, you may use your Right to Choice and select a different provider. When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you. Ask your GP about options for medications. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. Private Assessment If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you or you are concerned that your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have an online guide which includes templates that you can provide to the GP. They also have a list of providers on their site and many of them provide online diagnosis and in-person. A private appointment is typically slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview with your psychiatrist. This will include a variety of aspects of your life and how your symptoms affect your current state of functioning. They will also examine your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is often helpful when you have a family member or friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment. They will let you know if they 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're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may ask for a second referral. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You will need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to obtain an agreement on shared care for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long term. Do not rely entirely on the internet to get 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 receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to take medication, there could be other options that can help with your symptoms. For instance, if you are a student, you may obtain an assessment from your university. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and Disabled Students' Allowance.