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 must take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They will be attentive and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Based on the location of your home it could be free of charge, or you may be required to pay a fee. More details can be found 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 approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We suggest that you look for a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to get a referral, but it is worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you have been sent to a specialist. The doctor will request details of your or your child's symptoms, and 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 look to see whether you or your child experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your school or job documents, or talk to your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and remain a part of your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This could be a quicker and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD the first thing to do is speak to your GP. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed this up.
If you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required 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 they are in line with the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases, they might require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose'and applies to adults as well as children. If adhd diagnose 're not sure the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers that offer 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 to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services, or contact them directly. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they affect your life and daily activities. They may also ask for information about your medical background. They will also want to know whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will refer you to one. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may impact your ability to focus for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. adhd diagnoses is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more issues as you get older and confront more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially if you are from an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.