How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your doctor. If the waiting time is extremely long, you should consider asking your GP to make use of the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers called Right to Choose.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you using a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.
Find a Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are specialists in mental health and can prescribe medications to treat ADHD. They may also provide talk therapy. If you have health insurance, the cost of your doctor's visit should be covered. Contact your insurance company if not sure if a psychiatrist is covered by your insurance. You can also ask your GP to recommend you to a psychiatrist expert or search the internet for local services. If you do not have insurance, you can opt to use an individual service. However, make sure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has experience with ADHD patients.
Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This makes it difficult to diagnose someone with ADHD. In addition, a lot of medical professionals aren't trained in adult ADHD and do not have much practical experience in dealing with it. You will have to work hard to locate an adult ADHD specialist who is able to determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.
It is essential to build an established relationship of trust with your psychiatrist once you've identified one. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. If you're not comfortable with your psychiatrist, you should consider looking for an alternative. While it's important to be comfortable with your doctor but you shouldn't be forced to settle for less than what you deserve.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in adult ADHD for a clinical evaluation. This typically involves a questionnaire and an interview with the psychologist on how your ADHD symptoms impact your life in different social circumstances. The psychologist will then review your results and determine whether you meet the requirements for an adult ADHD diagnosis.
In England, you have the option of choosing the place where you receive your NHS assessments. The NHS offers a list providers, and you are able to make use of your Right to Choose to select the provider that is most convenient for you. Some of these providers provide assessments online to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.
Ask your doctor
If you have a GP who is well-aware of ADHD they may be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will involve a clinical interview with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not nurses) which will include questionnaires on ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history, and your family's mental health history. Neuropsychological tests could be administered in addition to the clinical interview. This will help to provide a better picture of your strengths, weaknesses and other conditions that could be affecting your ADHD.
Your GP may also be able to assist by writing a letter stating that you want to be referred to an assessment under Right to Choose. You can get a template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they refuse to sign this form of consent for any reason it might be worth switching your GP particularly in the event that you plan to go on to apply for an Shared Care Agreement for medication later on.
If your GP does agree to make the referral, there will be a short wait before you get to meet with the specialist. It is crucial to prepare yourself for this, as the interview will focus on how your ADHD symptoms are affecting your life today. You'll be asked to provide examples and be prepared for discussion about how you've been performing in different areas of your life.
Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These treatments could include talking therapy, behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will receive advice on how to manage ADHD and a report that includes recommendations for ongoing treatment. If you are a student, it is likely that your doctor will recommend a shared care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medication for you.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of professionals in the UK including GPs, nurses and psychologists who are not knowledgeable about ADHD. This makes finding a diagnosis and gaining access to treatment difficult. You may be told you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, or that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It's not easy to find a specialist who will listen and understand the issue.
Right to Pick
If adhd diagnosis uk adults reside in England, and your GP agrees that you should be referred for an ADHD assessment by a third party, then you have a right to choose the provider. This is referred to as the 'Right of Choice'. The only requirement is that the selected provider is registered under an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended to also know the waiting times of the provider prior to contacting them. You can do this by contacting directly or asking your GP for more information.
It is important to remember that GPs are only general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. You may need convince your GP to send you to a specialist in order to have an ADHD assessment. If you are unable do this and you are unable to convince your doctor, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can print and send to your GP. It includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a GP cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and only a specialist can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what the current waiting time for an appointment is for an ADHD assessment. If they are too long you may exercise your Right to Choice and choose a different GP.
You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire and participate in an interview when you go to have your ADHD assessed. The interview will usually be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will center on your past experience with ADHD and how it has affected your life. The interview will also look at your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time and have an immediate family member to provide support.
Ask your GP about medication options. They might be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they must remember that there is a variety of non-stimulant medications which can help control the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine. You can also try cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy to treat adults suffering from ADHD.
Private Assessment
If you're not satisfied waiting for the NHS to refer you, or if you are concerned your GP may have preconceived ideas about what ADHD appears to be (this is a growing problem particularly for women, those of color and those who were deemed to be female at birth) If you are concerned about this, then self-refer for a private assessment. Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have a guide on their website that includes templates you can provide to the GP. They also have an extensive list of providers available on their website and many of them provide online diagnosis as well as in person.
A private assessment will usually be slightly longer than a typical psychotherapy visit. It will also include an in-depth interview. This will cover different aspects of your life and how your symptoms impact your current state of functioning. They will also review your symptoms in a variety of situations and settings. It is often helpful to have a family or friend member provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then 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 a different condition is more appropriate to explain your behavior (symptoms). If they do not believe you're in the right category, they will give reasons and you may request another referral.
After receiving an diagnosis, it's your decision whether to decide to take medication or not. You'll need to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to obtain a shared-care agreement for your medication through your GP and this could save you money in the long run.
Do not rely entirely on the internet to get an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is essential to obtain a professional, impartial assessment to ensure you receive the most effective results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to take medication, other support might be available. If you are a university student for instance, you can request an assessment. They can provide you with guidance on adjustments that are reasonable and the Disabled Student's Allowance.