How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free, or you might have to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It is important to remember that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD Based on their observations, 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 life. They will also consider whether your your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We suggest that you look for a new GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get an appointment but it's worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. The GP will inquire with you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 should also check if your or your child has experienced similar symptoms before to be able to examine the data. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres that can carry out ADHD assessments. You will need to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely need to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may request your school or job documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to look into other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication whether you are an adult child or not. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians can assist you in this and will provide your GP documentation for a shared-care arrangement so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England you have the legal right to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with an expert. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They will not be able to identify you as having ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting your family and you. They will then refer you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to speed up the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
After you've been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate 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 some instances it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making a decision, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the "Right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to use it.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They may also ask for details about your medical background. They will be looking to find out whether any of your family members have ADHD.
how to diagnosis adhd can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for coping. They will use this information to assess whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a doctor who is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to get a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can determine very quickly if you have ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to search for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions which can hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they may cause more problems as you grow older and face more challenges. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to get an diagnosis, especially if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.