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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

You may be referred to the NHS ADHD assessment by your GP. If the waiting time is long, think about asking your GP to refer you to the law that grants patients the right to choose their providers called Right to Choose.

A psychiatrist will examine your condition through a structured clinical interview. They will concentrate on your various areas of your life that your symptoms impact on. They will ask for evidence including childhood history school reports may be requested.

Find a Psychiatrist

They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. 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 could also request your GP for an appointment with a psychiatric specialist or search for local services on the internet. If you don't have insurance then you can go through a private service. Make sure the Psychiatrist has been licensed and experienced with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD looks like. This can be problematic when trying to establish an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, 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 can assess your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.

When you have found a psychiatrist, it is crucial to build a trusting relationship with them. This is important, especially if you plan to begin taking medication for ADHD. Think about getting a new psychiatrist in case you feel uncomfortable with the one you currently have. While it is essential to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not be forced to accept less than what you deserve.

Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist for a thorough clinical assessment. This typically involves a questionnaire and a discussion between you and the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will go over your results to determine if your situation meets the criteria for adult ADHD diagnosis.

In England, you can choose which location to get your NHS assessments. adult adhd diagnosis uk offers a list providers, and you are able to make use of your right to Choose to select the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments to adults, which could significantly reduce wait times.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they might be able to recommend you for an NHS diagnosis. In the UK this will require an interview with a psychiatrist or psychologist (not nurses) which will comprise questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms as well as your medical history and your family's mental health background. Neuropsychological tests may also be conducted in addition to the clinical interview. This will help to provide more information about your strengths, weaknesses, and comorbid conditions that may influence 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 the template from ADHD UK to print off and present to your GP. If they decline for any reason, it could be worth re-evaluating your GP. This is especially applicable if you are planning to apply for a Shared Care Agreement in the future.

If your GP agrees to refer you, you'll need to wait a few days before meeting with the specialist. Preparing for the interview is vital because it will be focused on your ADHD symptoms and how they affect your life right now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you have been functioning in various aspects of your life.

Once you have been formally diagnosed your specialist will advise on treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription medications. You will be advised about how to manage your ADHD and receive an assessment with recommendations for continued care. If you are a university student, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

There are many professionals in the UK who don't know much about ADHD. This includes doctors, nurses, and psychologists. This can make it difficult to get an assessment or access treatment. You might be told that you don't have ADHD because you're not hyperactive, that adults aren't treated, and that children grow out of it. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who is willing to listen and comprehend the issue.

Right to Pick

If you live in England and your GP agrees to send you for an ADHD assessment you have a legal right to choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choose". The only requirement is that the chosen 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 provider you prefer before you contact them. You can learn more by calling the provider directly or contacting your GP.

It is important to know that GPs only practice as general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental disorders like adult ADHD. So, you might have convince your GP that you need to be referred to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this, the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. The letter includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidelines which state that a doctor can't refuse to diagnose ADHD as a condition, and only doctors can make this diagnosis.

You should also inquire with your GP about their current waiting times for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you can make use of your Right to Choice and choose another provider.

When you visit for your ADHD assessment you will be required to fill out a questionnaire and attend an interview. Interviews are typically conducted by psychiatrists or nurses who specialize in ADHD. The interview will center on your history of ADHD and how it impacted your life. The interview will also examine your current symptoms. You must prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for support.

Ask your GP about medication options. They might not wish to prescribe stimulants, but they should be reminded there are non-stimulant drugs that can be used to manage ADHD symptoms. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and Atomoxetine. In addition, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can refer yourself to an individual assessment when you don't wish to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived beliefs about what ADHD is (this is a problem that is growing, especially for women or people of color, as well as those who were born female). The primary provider of the assessments is Psychiatry-UK They have a great guide for doing this on their website which includes template forms that you can hand to your GP. On their website, they offer a list of providers. They offer both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private assessment is usually slightly longer than a typical psychiatric appointment and will include an in-depth interview with a psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life and the way your symptoms affect your current functioning. They will also consider your symptoms in different environments and situations. It is usually helpful when you have family members or a friend to provide feedback. The psychiatrist will then consider their findings and provide you with your diagnosis.

They will inform you if they believe that you meet the criteria for ADHD, or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't believe you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and request an additional referral.


Once you have received an assessment, you can then decide if you want to go down the route of medication or not. You'll have to discuss this with your GP and you might be able to get a shared care agreement for medications through your GP and this can save you money in the long run.

Do not rely on getting an ADHD diagnosis on the internet or self-diagnosis tool as they can be misleading. It is recommended to get a qualified and objective assessment to receive the best possible outcome. Based on your specific circumstances and whether or not you're willing to use medication, there may be other options that can help with your symptoms. For example, if you are a student, you can receive an assessment from your school. They can give you guidance on adjustments that are reasonable, and Disabled Student's Allowance.

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