How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child could have ADHD. They can be attentive and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on your location it could be free of charge or you may have to pay a fee. More details are available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking another one. It isn't easy to get referrals, but it is worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you've been referred. The GP will request you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will 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 will also verify if you or your child has had these symptoms previously and compare the information. diagnosis for adhd will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask for your school or job records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behavior issue It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to know that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England, you are legally entitled to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This can be a faster and cheaper alternative to going through your GP.
3. Request your GP for a referral
Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD. They will not be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected your family and you. They must then refer you a specialist for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this visit, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if they are in line with 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 it is necessary to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you have a 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 applies to both children and adults. If you are unsure about which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Request an assessment with an expert
In the UK There are a variety of specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or call them directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, and how they affect you and your daily life. They may also request details of your medical background. They will be looking to find out whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist 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 dealing with stress. They will use this information to assess whether or not you have the signs of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will send you to a psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if required.
A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more problems as you age and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis if you're a member of a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without assessing you symptoms.