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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 you're waiting for an extended period you can consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their healthcare provider. A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might request your childhood history and school reports. Find a Psychiatrist Psychiatrists specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat 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 insurer if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You can also request 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. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This can be a problem when trying to establish a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll need to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately. When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to establish a trusting relationship with them. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. It is important to feel comfortable with your physician, but you should not settle for anything less. Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist with ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire, and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social settings. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England, you have the option of choosing which provider you will receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut waiting times by a considerable amount. Ask your GP If you have an GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to refer you to an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. It is also possible that neuropsychological tests will be performed as well as the clinical interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as the possibility of comorbidities that could influence your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can assist you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent for any reason, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP accepts to refer you, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is important to prepare yourself for this, since the medical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life. After a formal diagnosis your doctor will give you treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive an evaluation with recommendations for continued care. If you're an undergraduate student Your doctor may suggest an arrangement for shared-care with your GP in order to prescribe medication 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 might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults don't get treated and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a specialist who can listen and comprehend the issue. Right to pick If you live in England and your GP agrees to refer you for an ADHD assessment you have the legal right to choose the provider you wish to refer you to. This is known as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement for the 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 that you also find out the waiting time of the service provider prior to calling 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 problems, including adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes taken from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor 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 aren't enough, you can exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP. When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or a specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it affected your life. It will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance. It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into the options for medication for you. They may be hesitant to prescribe stimulants but they should be aware that there are a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These can include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You might also consider cognitive-behavioral treatment or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP might have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like (this is a rising problem particularly for women, those of color, and those who are assigned to be female at birth), then you can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their site and the majority of them offer online diagnosis as well as in person. A private assessment usually takes just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various environments and situations. It is often beneficial to have family members or a friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of your diagnosis. They will inform you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria they will tell you why and ask for another referral. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP or doctor. You may be able to sign a shared care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the end. It is not recommended to rely solely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be erroneous. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best outcome. Depending on your circumstances and whether or not you are willing to use medication, there may be other resources available that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could receive an assessment from your university. They will be able to give you advice on appropriate adjustments and the Disabled Students the'Allowance.