How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
adhd adults diagnosis uk may also qualify for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their GP first. They will take your concerns very seriously and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you may be required to pay. More details are available 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 approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or yourself may struggle to stay focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We recommend that you try to find a new GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for a referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed swiftly after you have been sent to a specialist. The GP will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The doctor will 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 suffered from these symptoms previously and compare the information. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
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 have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them prior to your appointment if possible.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as when you were a child. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you're functioning, and may want to check for other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by a specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been adhd adults diagnosis that ADHD only affects children but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will still have an impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It's worth noting that if you are diagnosed privately, you will initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to choose your health care provider and mental health team. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment with an expert in your area. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Request your GP for a referral
Talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could have ADHD. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD however they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it's affected you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide suggestions on how to speed up the process in case they have long waiting lists.
If you've been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see a psychiatrist 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 to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if 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 might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they determine that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination between medication and CBT is the most effective. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure which provider to pick 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 to do it.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for the referral or call them directly. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private companies. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with specific details about any medical history. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not know a physician who will send you to a psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest method to get a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if needed.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to determine very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to look for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate like addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.