How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You could experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their GP first. They will be attentive and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on your location, this might be free or you may be required pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It's important to remember that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child has ADHD based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out another one. It can be difficult to request an appointment, but it is worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you talk to 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 to provide details about your symptoms. The doctor 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 check if your or your child has had similar symptoms before and compare the information. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to request your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely need to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms within the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask for your school or job records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication whether you are an adult or not. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health care team and healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This could be a quicker and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
Talk with your GP if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to accelerate the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
After you've been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if you 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 it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making their choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they find that you have ADHD and they decide to write to your GP with paperwork to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you can access ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or 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 think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they impact you and your daily routine. They might also ask for details about your medical history. They will also want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis faster. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If adhd uk diagnosis do have any doubts, they'll be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They may also look into other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood not as children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a young person.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly taking note of your symptoms.