How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They will take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD will often consult their GP first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free, or you might be required to pay. You can find more information 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's important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long your or your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they affect your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We suggest you find an alternative GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking for referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment, the process should move quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist 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 should also verify if you or your child has had similar symptoms before, so they can compare the information. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers that can perform ADHD assessments. You'll have to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely need to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to 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 in the context of the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may ask to see your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. ADHD is more than just adhd in adults diagnosis with behavior. It's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and remain a part of your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly come from the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This could be a quicker and less expensive alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
Once you have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they 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 instances, they might require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to obtain an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able access ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could make use of alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and details of any relevant medical history. They will also ask whether any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a doctor who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They'll also take into consideration other health issues that could hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and confront more problems. This is especially true if you did not receive the appropriate assistance as in your early years.
Sometimes it is difficult to get the diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.