How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD will often consult their GP first. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free or you may be required to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest that you look for an alternative GP if your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get referrals but it's worth it. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
Once you have been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. adult diagnosis of adhd 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 check if you or your child suffered from these issues in the past, so they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialization centers which can perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out some 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 be looking at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask for your school or job documents, or talk to your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and they will continue to have a significant impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor the medication will initially come from the NHS. The private clinician can assist you in this process and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to identify you with ADHD formally however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer tips on how to accelerate the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
Once adhd diagnosis in adults 've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you meet 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 have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medication and CBT therapy is 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 provider 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 unsure of which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long, you can choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can request an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private companies. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, and how they impact you and your daily life. They might also request information about your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. 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 in case you do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If adhd diagnosis adult are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction disorders or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more issues as you age and face more difficulties. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper assistance as a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about what people suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.