How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They will be attentive and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free, or you might have to pay a fee. More details are available 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 taken seriously. It is important to remember that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest you look for an alternative GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for an appointment with. adhd diagnosis in adults can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific information 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 look to see if you or your child have had these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. 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 will remain a significant influence on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, in the event that you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private doctor will be able to help you in this and will provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England, you have a legal right to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting your family and you. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide advice on how to speed up the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
Once you have been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to be able to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine 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 instances, they might need to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also need to eliminate any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can get ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination between medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose'and applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure which provider to choose or if NHS wait times seem excessive you can select one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones you can use 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 a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly. You can book a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with most private companies. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and information about any relevant medical background. They will also want to know if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. They will analyze 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 recommend you to one. This is a bit more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction disorders or depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more problems as you grow older and face more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.