How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on where you live, this might be free of charge, or you might have to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or yourself may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking a different one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for an appointment with. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you've been recommended. The doctor will request 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 check whether you or your child has had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centres that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll probably have to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment if possible.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning, and may want to look into other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, your medication will firstly come from the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and healthcare provider. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. Have how is adhd diagnosed in adults to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is speak to your GP. While they may not be in a position to identify you with ADHD formally but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. They should then refer you to an expert for evaluation and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed this up.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you satisfy the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases, they might need to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also need to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medication and CBT is the most effective. But, everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for the referral, or contact them directly yourself. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private companies. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they affect your life and daily activities. They might also want to know details of your medical background. They will be looking to find out whether any family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They may also look into other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more challenges. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially in the case of a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.