How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They should take your concerns very 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. Due to shortages of medication and delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They will be attentive and refer you to an expert for a diagnosis. Based on the location of your home, this might be free of charge, or you may be required to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being 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 the reasons why you or your child's difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also take a look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get an alternative one. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed in a short time after you have been sent to a specialist. The doctor will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 determine if you or your child has suffered from these symptoms before, so they can compare the information. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment, if you are able to.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may request your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about your experiences as when you were a child. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. Private clinicians can assist you with this and provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they should be attentive to your concerns and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer suggestions on how to accelerate the process if you are on a an extensive waiting list.
If adhd in adults undiagnosed 've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine whether they satisfy 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 such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they determine that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can get ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination between medications and CBT is most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you aren't sure the best choice for you or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how you can do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They might also want to know details about your medical background. 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've changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis faster. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They may also look into other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more problems as you get older and face more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.