How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. Due to medication shortages, you could experience delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first point of contact when people suspect they or their child could have ADHD. They can be very attentive to your concerns and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you could have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child might have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms can be explained better by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We recommend that you try to find an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. Doctors will want to know the details of your or your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and medical examination. They will be looking at whether the presenting symptoms are mainly inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity, and how much they impact your or your child's life. They will also verify if you or your child has experienced similar symptoms before to be able to compare information. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres that can perform ADHD tests. You will have to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to fill out, so try to complete them before your appointment if you can.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to check for other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you in this and will provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England, you are legally entitled to select your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in your region. adhd diagnosis adult is often a quicker method than going to your GP and is cheaper too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
Speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected you and your family. They must then refer you a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer advice on how to accelerate the process if they have long waiting lists.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some instances, they might need to rule out other conditions before making their choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. get diagnosed with adhd means that your doctor can prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long you can select one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily routine. They may also ask for information about your medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk you through the assessment process. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for coping. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however, it will give you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health conditions which can hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more issues as you grow older and encounter more challenges. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the proper support when you were in your early years.
It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis in the event that you're a minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions of what an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without assessing you symptoms.