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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UKYou may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If you are waiting a long time you can consult your GP to refer you to the Right to Choose law which gives patients the right to choose their provider.A psychiatrist will examine you using a structured clinical interview and focus on your various areas of your life that your symptoms have an impact on. They may ask for your childhood history and school reports.Find a psychiatristPsychiatrists specialize in mental health and they can prescribe medication to treat ADHD. Talk therapy is another option. If you are insured, your psychiatrist’s visits should be covered. If you are unsure whether a psychiatrist is in your network, contact your insurer to find out. You could also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or look up local services online. If you don’t have insurance, you may opt to use an independent service. However, make sure that the Psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked working with ADHD patients.Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like. This can make it difficult to recognize the person with ADHD. A lot of medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You’ll need to conduct some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can identify your symptoms.When you have found a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it’s important to feel comfortable with a physician but you shouldn’t be forced to settle for less than you’re entitled to.Your doctor can recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This usually 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 look at your results and determine whether you meet the criteria for an adult ADHD diagnosis.In England You can select which location to get your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to use your right to Choose to choose the one that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers are able to provide online assessments for adults, which can reduce waiting times by a considerable amount.Ask your doctorIf you have a GP who is knowledgeable of ADHD they might be willing to refer you to the NHS to get a diagnosis. In the UK, this will involve a clinic interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) and will involve questionnaires on ADHD symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental health. Neuropsychological tests may be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This is to help provide an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as comorbid conditions, that might influence your ADHD symptoms.Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter to let them know that you would like to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can download an example from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they are refusing for any reason, it may be worth switching your GP. This is particularly 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 brief time before you are able to meet with the specialist. Making preparations for the interview is vital because it will focus on your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life today. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in various areas of your life.Once you have been formally diagnosed, your physician will provide you with advice on the best treatment options. These may include talk therapy, behavioural interventions or prescription drugs. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive a report with recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student at a university your doctor might suggest an arrangement of shared-care with your GP in order 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 getting a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told that you don’t have ADHD because you’re not hyperactive, or that adults aren’t treated, and that children grow out of it. It can take persistence to find a professional who will listen and understand the symptoms.Right to chooseIf you reside in England, and your GP is in agreement that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, you have the right to choose the service. This is known as the ‘Right to Choice’. The only requirement for a provider to be able to provide the service is that they have an NHS Standard Contract (with your CCG or NHS England). It is also recommended that you find out about waiting times for the provider of your choice before you contact them. You can find out more information by contact the provider directly, or contacting your GP.It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners and are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues such as adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you should be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you are unable to convince your GP that they should refer you to a specialist, you could print and download an email from the charity ADHD UK to give to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only a doctor can make this diagnosis.Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If they are too high you may exercise your Right to Choose and choose a different provider.When you visit for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will be centered on your personal history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. It will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare in advance for this interview and bring a friend or family member to help you.You should also consult your GP to think about possible different options for your medication. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, however they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medicines that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. Additionally, you could also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults with ADHD.Private AssessmentIf you’re not content waiting for the NHS to refer you, or you are concerned that your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD looks like (this is a growing issue particularly for women, people of colour and those assigned to be female at birth) You can self-refer to a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website which includes templates that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they also offer a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.A private evaluation will typically be a little longer than a regular appointment with a psychiatrist and will include an organized interview. This will cover various aspects of your life, and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also review your symptoms in different situations and settings. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member provide feedback. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will review their findings and issue an assessment.They will tell you if they believe you have the right criteria for ADHD, or if they believe another condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don’t believe you’re a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may ask for a second referral.After receiving a diagnosis, you can then decide if you want 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 your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.Do not be relying on an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or any self-diagnosis tools as these can be misleading. You should seek a professional and objective assessment to get the best results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other treatment options could be available. For instance, if you are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your school. They can give you suggestions on how to make reasonable adjustments as well as the Disabled Student’s allowance.