How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You may experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD usually consult their GP first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free or you may be required pay a small amount. adhd diagnosed can find more information on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or yourself may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others 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 affect your life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get an alternative one. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for a referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred for an evaluation, the process should move quickly. The doctor will request specific details of your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist should carry out 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 verify if you or your child has suffered from similar symptoms before, so they can compare information. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You will likely need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They can take some time 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 the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may request your school or work records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as a child. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your general functioning and may also want to assess other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and remain a part of your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England you have a legal right to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with a specialist. This could be a quicker and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is speak to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. They should then refer you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed things up.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to obtain medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if 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 may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your doctor can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medications and CBT is most efficient. But, everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers will let you book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also want to know information about your medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a doctor who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will receive the diagnosis quicker. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They may also look into other health issues that could hinder your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as adults, not children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more problems as you grow older and confront more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a child.
Sometimes it's 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 what an individual suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.