How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They must consider your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD will often consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free or you may have pay a small amount. More details are available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also consider how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We recommend that you look for an alternative GP if your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for a referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you have been recommended. The GP will request you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, 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 should also verify if you or your child has had these symptoms previously, so they can examine the data. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely need to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete so try and complete them prior to your appointment if possible.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your work or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you have 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 remain a significant influence on your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care 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 think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide advice on how to speed up the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. visit your url from a psychiatrist is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if they are in line with the criteria for ADHD. 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 depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your doctor can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT is the most effective. But, everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose the healthcare provider that your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you are unsure about the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could make use of alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics by phone or video with the majority of private providers. visit your url will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also ask for information about your medical background. They will also want to know whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. visit your url will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will use this information to assess whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If needed, your psychiatrist may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they may cause more issues as you get older and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis when you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.