How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK<br /><br />You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the wait time is very long, consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their provider called Right to Choose.<br /><br />A psychiatrist will evaluate you through a structured interview, and will focus on the various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They might request your childhood records and school reports.<br /><br />Find a Psychiatrist<br /><br />They can prescribe medication for ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you have insurance, your psychiatrist's visits should be covered. Contact your insurance company if unsure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services on the internet. If you do not have insurance, you may choose to go through an individual service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and is experienced in dealing with ADHD patients.<br /><br />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. Many medical professionals do not have the proper training or experience to diagnose adult ADHD. You will need to do some research to find an adult ADHD expert who is able to accurately determine the symptoms.<br /><br />If you are able to find a psychiatrist, it is essential to establish a relationship of trust with them. This is especially important if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Consider finding a new psychiatrist if you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to feel comfortable with a doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you're entitled to.<br /><br />Your doctor may refer you to an adult specialist in ADHD to conduct a clinical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an exchange between you and the psychologist about your ADHD symptoms in various social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.<br /><br />In England you have the right to choose the place where you receive your NHS assessments. You can select from a list of NHS providers that are provided by the NHS. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which can significantly reduce wait times.<br /><br />Ask your GP<br /><br /><br /><br />If you have an GP with a good understanding of ADHD they might be able to refer you to the NHS for a diagnosis. In the UK this will require a clinical interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) that will include a questionnaire regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may be affecting your ADHD.<br /><br />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 the template from ADHD UK to print off and give to your GP. If they don't want to do this in any way, it could be worthwhile to change your GP particularly if you want to go on to apply for a Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.<br /><br />If your GP will agree to refer you, then you'll have to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to give examples and be prepared to talk about how you've performed in different areas of your life.<br /><br />After you've been officially diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapies and behavioural interventions as well as prescription drugs. You will be given advice on how to manage your ADHD and given an evaluation with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your specialist will suggest a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.<br /><br />There are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. 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 don't receive treatment and that children get rid of it. It can be challenging to find a professional that will listen and comprehend your situation.<br /><br />Right to Pick<br /><br />If you reside 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 known as the "Right to Choose". <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/private-adult-adhd-diagnosis/">adhd diagnosis uk adults I Am Psychiatry</a> is that the provider is covered by an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is also recommended to learn about the waiting times for the service you prefer before you contact them. You can do this by calling them directly or asking your GP for more information.<br /><br />You should be aware that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore, are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders such as adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to refer you to a specialist in order to get an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP, you can print and download a letter from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only a specialist can make this diagnosis.<br /><br />It is also advisable to ask your GP about the current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting times are too long, you may utilize your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.<br /><br />You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire, and attend an interview when you visit have your ADHD assessed. Interviews are usually conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will focus on your past experiences with ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. It is recommended to prepare for this interview and bring a family member to assist you.<br /><br />Ask your GP about options for medications. They may not want to prescribe stimulants, however they should be reminded there are medications that are not stimulant that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate and dexamphetamine as well as Atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.<br /><br />Private Assessment<br /><br />You can request an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or in the event that your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is becoming more prevalent, especially among women or people of color, as well as women born to females). The main provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK and they have a helpful guide to making this request on their website, which includes templates for forms you can provide to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. Most of them offer both in-person and online diagnosis.<br /><br />A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an in-depth interview. The interview will cover various aspects of your life and how your afflictions affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.<br /><br />They will tell if you believe that you meet the ADHD criteria or if another diagnosis best describes your symptoms (traits). If they do not think you meet the criteria, they will let you know the reasons why and you can request them to refer you back.<br /><br />After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you wish to go down the route of medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP, you may be able to sign a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.<br /><br />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 seek a professional and impartial assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other treatment options may be available. If you're a university student, for example you may request an assessment. They will be able to advise you on reasonable adjustments and the Disabled Students' Allowance.<br /><br />