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 should take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD are likely to seek out their doctor first. They will take your concerns very seriously and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Based on the location of your home the assessment could be free or you may be required to pay a small fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your own symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get another one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
Once you have been referred to an assessment the process should be completed quickly. GPs will ask for details about your child's symptoms. 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 look to see whether you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. adhd in adults diagnosis is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centres that are able to carry out ADHD assessments. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your employment or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and remain a part of 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 and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. The private doctor will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP documentation for 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 healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment online with an expert. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to accelerate the process if you are on a an extensive waiting list.
Once you have been identified, you will be given an appointment to see a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if 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, they might require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also have to eliminate any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to obtain an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for the referral or directly. Most private healthcare providers will let you book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with specific details about any medical history. They will be looking to find out whether any family members have ADHD.
Your doctor will talk you through the assessment process. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will refer you to one. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate like addiction or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about how someone with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.