How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible for Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free or you may have to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It is important to remember that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or you may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your or your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest you try to find a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to request referrals however it's well worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you have been referred. Doctors will want to know the specific details of your child's symptoms. 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 look to see if you or your child have experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centres that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask for your employment or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will assess your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and continue to impact your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It's worth noting that if you're diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private doctor can assist you in this process and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. Have your GP to refer you
Speak with your GP If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there is information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed up this process.
After you've been referred, you will be given an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and assess whether they fit the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some cases, they might need to exclude other conditions prior to making their choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. adult adhd diagnoses of people find that a mix of medications and CBT is most effective. However, everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your doctor will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to pick or if NHS wait times are too long it is possible to choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly. Most private providers will allow you to book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and details of any relevant medical history. They will also want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk about the assessment process. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you have the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a doctor who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to search for more corroborative evidence by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They may also look into other health conditions which can hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more difficulties. This is especially the case if you did not receive the right assistance as an infant.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're a minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.