How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They will be attentive and send 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.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It is important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or you may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).
We suggest you try to find a new GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for an appointment with. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
After you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will inquire with you or your child for specific information 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 will also determine if you or your child has had similar symptoms before and examine the data. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your employment or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It is also linked to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, and they'll still 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 and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. The private doctor can assist you in this and will provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England, you have the legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD however they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it's been affecting you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
After you've been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet 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 they may require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also have to rule out any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to obtain a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination between medication and CBT is the most efficient. However, everyone is different.
If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to choose or if NHS wait times are too long, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can request a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also ask for details of your medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for coping. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they will be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They may also look into other health issues that could affect your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. adhd in adults diagnosis is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a young person.
Sometimes it is difficult to get an diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.