How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They must be attentive and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to 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 shortages of medications.
1. Speak with your doctor
The GP is often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on your location, this might be free or you may be required to pay a small fee. More details are available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or you may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking another one. It isn't easy to get referrals however it's well worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a 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 want to check if your or your child has experienced these symptoms previously and compare the information. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records or talk with your parents, teachers or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to assess other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're 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 should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This is a quicker and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD however they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected you and your family. They should then refer you to a specialist to be assessed and treated. If they have a long waiting list, there's guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed this up.
If you've been referred, you will be given an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine whether they 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 have to rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you have ADHD, they will write to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your doctor can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they affect you and your daily routine. They may also want to know details about your medical background. They will also ask if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk about the assessment process. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will refer you to one. It is more expensive but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to look for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health issues that could impact your ability to focus like addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and confront more problems. This is especially the case if you did not receive the appropriate support when you were an infant.
It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis when you're an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. adhd diagnosis adults have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.