How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Speak with your doctor
Doctors are often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the area you live in, it may be free or you could have to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child might have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as 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 you and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your your child's issues could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We suggest that you try to find an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you've been sent to a specialist. The GP will ask you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, 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 look to see whether you or your child have suffered from these issues in the past so they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to carry out ADHD assessments. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will have to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You will probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may 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 the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your school or work documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as a child. It's important to remember that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult or not. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. Private clinics will be able to assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign a shared care agreement which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with an expert in your area. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
If you think you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They will not be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it has been affecting your family and you. They must then refer you a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to speed up the process if they have long waiting lists.
After you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and assess whether 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, they might need to exclude other conditions prior to making their choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can access ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could use one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to use it.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private providers. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical background. They will also want to know if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive, but it will give you the fastest method to receive a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also take into account other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate, 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 the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more problems as you get older and confront more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about how an individual with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without analysing your symptoms.