ADHD Diagnosis for an adult

[Bigtreeesss]

I’ve always felt like I’ve had ADHD and a recent awareness week has made me want to look into getting or not, a formal diagnosis

how have people gone about this? Local wait list is quite long so looking to go private

I did the Right to Choose process with Dr J and Colleagues. I think I waited about four or five months, then another 8 weeks for medication.

I went through Physchiatry UK, via right to choose. Wait time was approx 1 year, now 4 month since diagnosis, still waiting to start medication

Process differs depending where you are. The Right To Choose process is in place in England (and Wales?) in the UK. Scotland doesn’t have it, up here you start by going to your GP. Others may know how it works in other areas.

AuDHD myself, I chose to go down the formal diagnosis route to access frameworks and support that help me thrive.

I went through a private firm called RTN Medical Solutions. It cost around £900 three years ago and took approximately 8-12 weeks for the assessment. I did then have to wait a year for titration through the NHS, which is worth bearing in mind if you're considering medication.

However, it's important to know that medication won't solve all challenges. In my experience, coaching tends to work best for ADHDers - often alongside medication rather than instead of it. The self-awareness, strategies, and support structures you develop through coaching can be transformative, whether or not you pursue medication.

If you'd like to discuss what a diagnosis might mean for you specifically, or explore coaching options while you're waiting for assessment, I'm happy to chat further.

The Guardian have a series of Articles on different aspects of getting an ADHD diagnosis and treatment