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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If the wait is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to use the law that gives patients rights to choose their providers and treatment providers – referred to as Right to Choose. A psychiatrist will evaluate your condition through a structured clinical interview, and will focus on the different areas of life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for documents, such as childhood records and school reports are often requested. Find a psychiatrist They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you are covered by health insurance then the cost of a psychiatrist's visit will be covered. Contact your insurance provider if you're uncertain if a psychiatrist's services are included in your network. You could also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience dealing with ADHD patients. Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to identify someone with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the required expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms. It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've found one. This is particularly important in the event that you plan to begin taking medication to treat your ADHD. Think about seeking out a new psychiatrist if you are not comfortable with your current one. While it is important to feel comfortable with a physician however, you shouldn't be forced to accept less than what you deserve. adhd in adults undiagnosed may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. The process usually involves a questionnaire, and a discussion between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will analyze your results to determine if you meet the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis. In England You can choose where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list of 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 are able to provide online assessments for adults which can cut down wait times significantly. Ask your GP If you have a GP who has a thorough understanding of ADHD, they may be willing to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK it will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests can be administered in addition to the interview. This is to help provide more clarity about your strengths and weaknesses, including comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms. Your GP can assist you by writing a letter stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. You can print out an example and present it to your GP. If they refuse to accept this request for any reason it might be worth switching 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 will agree to refer you to a specialist, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will be focused on how your ADHD symptoms are impacting your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared for discussion 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. This could include talk therapies and behavioral 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 a student at a university, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you. There are a lot of professionals in the UK who do not have much knowledge about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This makes it difficult to obtain a diagnosis or access treatment. You might be told that you don't need treatment since you are not hyperactive. Or that adults don’t receive treatment. Or that children don't develop ADHD. It can be a challenge to find a professional that will listen and understand your condition. Right to pick If you live in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred to an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have the right to choose the provider. This is known as the “Right to Choose”. The only requirement that a provider to be able provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is recommended that you also know the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can find out more by contact the provider directly, or asking your GP. It is important to note that GPs are general practitioners and so are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need to convince your GP to recommend you to a specialist to receive an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and download to hand to your GP. This includes quotes from NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP is not able to refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis. You should also ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If they aren't enough, you can exercise your Right of Choice and select a different doctor. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you go to get your ADHD assessed. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your past experience with ADHD and how it 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 help you. It is also advisable to ask your GP to look into different options for your medication. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded that there are non-stimulant medications which can help manage ADHD symptoms. They include the drugs methylphenidate (Ritalin) dexamphetamine and the atomoxetine (Strateva). Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavior therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD. Private Assessment You can refer yourself to an assessment privately when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The primary provider of these assessments is Psychiatry-UK, they have a great guide for doing this on their website which includes template forms that you can give to your GP. They also have an extensive list of providers on their website and the majority of them offer online diagnosis and in person. A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of a structured interview with the psychiatrist. The interview will cover a variety of aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different contexts and situations. It is a good idea to have a family or friend member give you feedback. The psychiatrist will review their findings and provide you with an assessment. They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you meet the criteria, they will let you know why and you can ask them to refer you again. After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you if you decide to take medication or not. You will need a discussion with your GP. You might be able get an agreement on shared-care for medication via 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 since they could be inaccurate. It is important that you get a professional, unbiased assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and if you are willing to take medication, other treatment options could be available. If you're an undergraduate student for instance you may request an assessment. They can give you advice on reasonable adjustments, and Disabled Student's Allowance.