How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK You can be referred to 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 gives patients the right to choose their providers and treatment providers - referred to as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to evaluate your symptoms and your impact on various aspects of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports. Find a Psychiatrist They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of your psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, contact your insurance provider to determine the status. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist specialist or search online for local services. If you don't have insurance, you can choose to go through an independent service. But, ensure that the Psychiatrist you select is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone who has ADHD appears like. This can make it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Medical professionals don't have the necessary knowledge or training to diagnose adult ADHD. You'll have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who can assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you. It is crucial to establish a relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you have identified one. This is crucial, particularly if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you are uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about seeking out a different one. It is crucial to be able to trust your physician however, you should not settle for anything less. Your GP may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in various social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can choose from a list of NHS providers provided by the NHS. Some of these providers are able to offer online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly. Ask your GP If you have a GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, your medical history and your family mental health background. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the interview. This will help give a clearer picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any comorbidities, which could be affecting your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out the template and present it to your GP. If they don't want to sign this form of consent in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP in particular when you intend to to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on. If your GP accepts to refer you to a specialist, then you'll have to wait a few weeks before meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, as the clinical interview will likely be focused on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been performing in various areas of your life. After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on treatment options. These could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and given a report with recommendations for continued care. 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. Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to nurses and psychologists, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults don't get treated and that children aren't treated of it. It can be difficult to find a professional that can listen and understand your condition. Right to Choose If you live in England and your GP consents to refer you to an ADHD assessment, you have a legal right to 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 also recommended to find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can https://notes.io/wmHJK by calling the provider directly or asking your GP. It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and are therefore not experts at diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only an expert can make this diagnosis. Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and select a different provider. When you go for your ADHD assessment you will be required to complete a survey and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by a specialist nurse or psychiatrist. The interview will concentrate on your history with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare ahead for the interview and bring a friend or family member to assist you. Ask your GP about the options for medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there are a range of non-stimulant medicines that can assist in managing the symptoms of ADHD. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) as well as dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD. Private Assessment You can request an assessment privately in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing particularly for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can hand to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis. A private evaluation will typically be slightly longer than a regular psychiatric visit and include an organized interview. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your present functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in various contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have someone in your family or a close acquaintance to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then review their findings and provide you with an assessment. They will inform you if you believe you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they don't believe you meet the criteria, they will tell you the reason and you can ask them to refer you back. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss the matter with your GP. You might be able to get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This can save you money over time. You should not rely solely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they could be inaccurate. You should get a professional and impartial assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other support could be available. If you're a university student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students allowance.