How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your GP. They must consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible for Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. Due to the shortage of medications there could be delays in obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first point of contact for people who think that they or their child may have ADHD. They can be attentive and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free, or you might have to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest you find a new GP in the event that your current doctor does not treat ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to get a referral, but it is worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. The GP will ask you or your child to provide specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 verify if you or your child has had these symptoms before to be able to compare the information. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and complete them prior to your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask for your work or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also want to check for other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and they will remain a significant influence on your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. This Web page will be able to help you with this and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to 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 think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in your area. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask diagnosed with adhd to refer you to a
Speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. While they may not be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide advice on how to accelerate the process if they have an extensive waiting list.
If you've been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see an Psychologist 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 also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine 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 have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They might also need to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medications and CBT is the most efficient. But, everyone is different.
If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services, or contact them directly. You can request a diagnostic assessment via phone or video with the majority of private providers. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as information about any relevant medical history. They will also want to know if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis faster. If needed, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to find more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper assistance as a child.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.