How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications there could be delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD. They will be very attentive to your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Based on the location of your home the assessment could be free of charge, or you may have to pay a fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child might have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get a different one. It can be difficult to ask for a referral however it's well worth it. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The GP will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 look to see if you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely need to fill out a few questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them before your appointment if possible.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may request your employment or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way your brain works. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now we are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and they will continue to have a significant impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that if you're diagnosed privately, you will initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected you and your family. They must then refer you an expert for evaluation and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide suggestions on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
If you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some cases it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making a decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medication and CBT is the most efficient. But, everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how you can do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can request a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with most private companies. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with details of any relevant medical background. adhd diagnosis adults will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will recommend you to one. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to search for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate like addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood not as children. This is because the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more problems as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the right assistance as in your early years.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis when you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how someone with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.