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 refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Speak to your doctor
The GP is often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child could have ADHD. They will be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you could have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand the reasons why you or your child's trouble staying focused or acting on 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 any other people who know 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 life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking a different one. It can be difficult to get referrals, but it is worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you have been referred. The doctor will request you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a 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 if you or your child has suffered from these issues in the past, so they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD assessments. You'll need to request your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment, if you are able to.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may request your school or job records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also connected to the way your brain functions. adhd adult diagnosis will look at your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England, you have the legal right to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with an expert. adhd adult diagnosis is a quicker and less expensive alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could have ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment 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.
After you've been identified, you will be given an appointment to see an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine 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 have to rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose which provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which provider to choose, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can make use of alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which has a very helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for the referral or directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private providers. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as information about any relevant medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk you through the assessment process. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will recommend you to one. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest method to be diagnosed. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.
A competent psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate, 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 the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more issues as you age and face more challenges. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the right support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis when you're a minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.