How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child could have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free or you might have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. They will also take a look at how long your the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
diagnosing adhd in adults recommend that you find an alternative GP If your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get an appointment however it's well worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you have been sent to a specialist. Doctors will want to know the details of your or your child's symptoms. 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 determine if you or your child has had these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centers which can perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will probably need to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take a long time to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as an infant. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your doctor will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It's worth noting that in the event that you are diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication on the NHS. get adhd diagnosis can assist you with this and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This can be a faster and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They may not be able identify you as having ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected your family and you. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed this up.
Once you have been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with an Psychologist 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, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if you 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 some cases they may need to exclude other conditions prior to making their decision, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you live in England it is important to know that you have the legal right to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to select or if the NHS wait times are too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which offers a great guide on how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book a diagnostic assessment via video or phone call with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide details regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also request details of your medical background. They will want to know if 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 over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor who will recommend you to one. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health conditions that may impact your ability to focus like addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. It is because the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is especially the case if you did not receive the right support when you were a child.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about how people with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.