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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Doctors can refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is very long, consider asking your GP to use the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose. I Am Psychiatry will conduct a structured meeting to determine your symptoms and impact on different areas of your life. They may ask for your school and childhood histories as well as reports. Find a psychiatrist They can prescribe medications for ADHD. They can also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance the cost of a psychiatrist's visit should be covered. If you're not sure if you have a psychiatrist in your network, you can contact your insurance company to determine the status. 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. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been certified and has experience working with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears to be. This makes it difficult to identify the person with ADHD. Additionally, a lot of medical professionals are not educated in adult ADHD and don't have much hands-on experience with it. You will have to work hard to find an adult ADHD specialist who is able to assess your symptoms and diagnose you accurately. It is important to develop an enduring relationship with your psychiatrist after you have found one. This is especially important when you are planning to start taking medication for ADHD. If you're uncomfortable with your psychiatrist, think about looking for a different one. It is crucial to be able to trust your doctor but you should not settle for less. Your doctor may recommend you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. The process usually involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in different social settings. The psychologist will then analyze your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis. In England you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. You can choose from the list of NHS providers offered by the NHS. Some of these providers offer adult assessments online, which can reduce wait times significantly. Ask your doctor If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurse) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as the mental health history of your family. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in conjunction with the interview. This will provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and comorbid conditions that may be influencing your ADHD. Your GP can help you by writing a letter stating that he would like to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print the template and present it to your GP. If they are refusing for reasons of any kind, it might be worth changing your GP. This is especially relevant if you intend to apply for an Shared Care Agreement in the future. If your GP does agree to make the referral, then there will be a short wait before you can meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, since the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life right now. You'll be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've been functioning in different areas of your life. After you've been diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioral interventions, and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and an assessment that will include recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you're a university student your doctor might 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 aren't knowledgeable about ADHD. This can make it difficult to get a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment because you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children don't be able to overcome ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a specialist who will listen and comprehend your condition. Right to Choose If you live in England and your GP accepts that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you are entitled to choose which provider. This is known as the 'Right to Choose'. The only condition is that the provider is registered under 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 service of your choice before you contact them. You can do this by contacting them directly or asking your GP for more details. It is important to know that GPs are general practitioners and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. Therefore, you may need convince your GP that you should be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to 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 cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD, and that only a doctor can make the diagnosis. It is also advisable to ask your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider. You will be asked to complete the questionnaire, and then attend an interview when you visit get your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also focus on your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for the interview and bring a family member to support you. You should also seek advice from your GP to consider different options for your medication. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can help manage ADHD symptoms. These can include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and Atomoxetine (Strateva). You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults with 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 issue particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed as female at birth), then you can self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the main provider. They have a guide on their website with templates you can hand to your GP. On their website, they provide a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis. A private assessment is usually just a little longer than a regular appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often beneficial if you have a family member or friend who can give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and notify you of the diagnosis. They will inform them if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD, or if they believe a different condition better explains your traits (symptoms). If they don't believe you're in the right category, they will explain why, and you can ask for a second referral. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You may be able get a shared-care agreement for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time. Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis from the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be a false diagnosis. You should seek a professional and unbiased assessment in order to receive the best possible outcome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options may be available. If you're an undergraduate student for instance you could request an assessment. They can give you advice on appropriate adjustments and Disability Students the'Allowance.