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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

Your GP can refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment. If you're waiting for an extended period you can request your GP to use Right to Choose law which gives patients the option of choosing their healthcare provider.

A psychiatrist will conduct an interview to determine your symptoms and impacts on different aspects of your life. They might request your school and childhood histories as well as reports.

Find a psychiatrist

They may prescribe medication for ADHD. They can also offer talk therapy. If you have insurance the visit of your psychiatrist will be covered. If you're unsure if a psychiatrist is in your network, call your insurance provider to find out. You could also request your GP for the referral to a psychiatrist specialist or look up local services online. If you don't have insurance, you can choose an individual provider. But, ensure that the psychiatrist you choose is licensed and has worked with ADHD patients.

Many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears like. This can be a problem when trying to establish a diagnosis. Many medical professionals do not have the necessary expertise or training to recognize adult ADHD. You'll need to do some research to find an adult ADHD specialist who can determine your symptoms and diagnose you correctly.

Once you find a psychiatrist, it is important to build a trusting relationship with them. This is especially important in the event that you plan on taking medication for ADHD. You should consider getting a new psychiatrist in case you are uncomfortable with your current one. While it is important to be comfortable with your doctor, you should not have to settle for less than you deserve.

Your GP may recommend you to an adult ADHD specialist for a medical assessment. This usually includes a questionnaire, as well as an interview with the psychologist regarding your ADHD symptoms in different social situations. The psychologist will then review your results and determine if you meet the criteria 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 of providers, and you are able to use your Right to Choose to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some of these providers offer online assessments for adults which can cut wait times significantly.

Ask your doctor

If you have an GP who has good understanding of ADHD they may be happy to refer you for an NHS diagnosis. In adhd uk diagnosis will require an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist (not a nurse), which will include questionnaires regarding ADHD symptoms and medical history as well as family history of mental health. It is also likely that neuropsychological tests will be conducted in conjunction with the interview. This will give you an accurate picture of your strengths and weaknesses, including the possibility of comorbidities that could be influencing your ADHD symptoms.


Your GP can help you by writing a note stating that he wants to refer you for an assessment under Right to Choose. Print out a template and give it to your GP. If they are unable to accept this request in any way, it could be worth switching your GP, especially 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, then you'll need to wait a few days prior to meeting with the specialist. It is essential to be prepared for this, because the clinical interview will likely concentrate on how your ADHD symptoms affect your life now. You will be asked to provide examples and to talk about how you've performed in various aspects of your life.

After a formal diagnosis the doctor will give you treatment options. These could include talking therapies and behavioural interventions and prescription drugs. You will be provided with advice on how to manage ADHD and the report will contain suggestions for treatment that is ongoing. If you are a student at a university, your specialist may recommend a shared-care arrangement with your GP to prescribe medications for you.

Unfortunately there are a number of professionals in the UK from GPs to psychologists and nurses, who have little knowledge about ADHD. This can make the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing treatment difficult. You might be told you don't require treatment because you don't have hyperactivity. Or that adults don’t get treated. Or that children don't grow out of ADHD. It may take a lot of persistence to find a professional who can listen and comprehend the condition.

Right to Pick

If you reside in England and your GP will refer you for an ADHD assessment You have a legal right choose which provider to be referred to. This is known as the "Right to Choice". The only requirement is that the chosen provider has an NHS Standard Contract with your CCG or NHS England for the required service. It is recommended that you also find out the waiting times for the provider before you contact them. You can find out more by calling the provider directly or asking your GP.

It is worth noting that GPs are general practitioners, and therefore are not experts in diagnosing mental health issues which includes adult ADHD. So, you might have to convince your GP that you need to be referred to an expert for an ADHD assessment. If you're unable to do this then the charity ADHD UK has a letter that you can download and print to give your GP. This includes quotes from the NICE 87 guidance which state that a doctor cannot refuse to diagnose ADHD and that only an expert can make this diagnosis.

Ask your GP what their current waiting times are for an ADHD assessment. If the waiting time is too long, you could utilize your Right to Choose and select a different provider.

When you go for your ADHD assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and be invited to an interview. The interview will typically be conducted by a psychiatrist or specialist nurse. The interview will focus on your personal history of ADHD and how it has affected your life. It will also discuss your current symptoms. You should prepare for the interview ahead of time and have a family member present for assistance.

Ask your GP about medication options. They may be reluctant to prescribe stimulants, but they should be aware that there are a range of non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. These include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine. Additionally, you can also try cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy for adults suffering from ADHD.

Private Assessment

You can refer yourself to an individual assessment in case you don't want to wait for the NHS or if your GP has preconceived notions about what ADHD is (this is an issue that is increasing, especially for women or people of color, as well as women born to females). Psychiatry-UK is the primary provider. They have an online guide with templates you can provide to a GP. On their website, they provide a list of the providers. Most of them provide both in-person and online diagnosis.

A private assessment usually takes slightly longer than a normal appointment for psychiatric treatment and will consist of an organized interview with your psychiatrist. The session will cover different aspects of your life, and how your symptoms are affecting your present functioning. They will also look at your symptoms in different contexts and settings. It is often helpful to have a family member or friend to give feedback. The psychiatrist will analyze their findings and provide you with the diagnosis.

They will tell you if they believe you are a candidate for ADHD or if they believe that a different condition better explains your characteristics (symptoms). If they don't think you're a fit for the criteria, they will explain why and you may ask for a second referral.

After receiving a diagnosis, it is up to you whether you decide to take medication or not. It is necessary to have a discussion with your GP. You might be able to get an agreement on shared-care for medication through your GP. This could help you save money over the course of time.

Do not rely entirely on the internet for an ADHD diagnosis or any other self-diagnosis tools as they could be erroneous. It is important that you receive a professional, objective assessment to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes. Based on the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you are willing to accept medication, other support may be available. For example, if you are an undergraduate, you could get an assessment from your university. They will be able to provide you with reasonable adjustments and Disability Students allowance.

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