How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They should be attentive and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the area you live in it could be free or you could be required to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
getting a adhd diagnosis will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone 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 impact your life. They will also look at whether your 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 consider ADHD seriously, we suggest 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 talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you have been recommended. GPs will ask for details about your child's symptoms. Then, 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 if your or your child has experienced similar symptoms before, so they can compare information. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out a few questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your employment or school records, or talk with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will continue to impact your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your region. This can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
Talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might have ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's information on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed this up.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine whether they 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 certain cases they may need to exclude other conditions prior to making a decision, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD, they will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix between medications and CBT is most efficient. But, everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose'and applies to adults as well as children. If you aren't sure the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which has a very helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private providers will allow you to book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. adhd diagnosed will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they affect you and your daily life. They might also ask for details about your medical history. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will talk you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you have the signs of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will recommend you to one. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can 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 conditions which can affect your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they may cause more issues as you age and confront more difficulties. This is especially true if you did not receive the proper support when you were a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.