How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
The GP is often the first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child might have ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you could have to pay a fee. You 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 considered serious. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your or child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained 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 difficult to get a referral but it's worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. The doctor will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 verify if you or your child has experienced these symptoms before and examine the data. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres that are able to carry out ADHD evaluations. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
adhd diagnosis in adults will look at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your school or job documents, or talk to your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood, and they'll still have a significant impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It's worth noting that when you're diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private doctor will be able to assist you with this and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England you have the legal right to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This could be a quicker and cheaper alternative to going through your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected 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 tips on how to speed up the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
Once you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During adhd diagnosis adult will examine your symptoms and assess whether 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 adhd diagnosis in adults , they might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you reside 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 children and adults. If you're not sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Request an assessment with an expert
There are numerous specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as details of any relevant medical background. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your doctor will guide about the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if you don't know a GP that will recommend you to one. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also take into account other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more problems as you grow older and confront more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not get the right assistance as a child.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without assessing you symptoms.