How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They will 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. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location the assessment could be free or you may be required pay a small amount. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your your child's symptoms might be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking an alternative one. It isn't easy to request an appointment, but it is worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
Once you have been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. The GP will request you or your child to provide specific details regarding your symptoms. The doctor will 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 want to check if your or your child has suffered from these symptoms previously and compare information. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD is only made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and complete them before your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in 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 your experiences as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. It is important to note that, if you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication through the NHS. The private doctor can assist you with this and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement so that you only pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health care team and healthcare provider. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with a specialist. This could be a quicker and cheaper alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. Although they aren't in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. They must then refer you a specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed things up.
Once you have been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if they 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 cases it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making their decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix between medication and CBT is most effective. However, every person 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 refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you're not sure which one to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive, you can choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private providers will allow you to 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 affect your daily life, and details of any relevant medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with 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 the signs of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will send you to a psychiatrist. adhd diagnosis in adult is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis faster. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they 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 take into account other health issues that could impact your ability to focus like addiction or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
Sometimes it is difficult to get an diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.