How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They will be attentive and recommend you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on your location it could be free or you may be required pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms aren't able to be taken seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We suggest that you try to find a new GP if your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get an appointment however it's well worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. The doctor will request specific details of your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist will conduct 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 should also determine if you or your child has had similar symptoms before and compare the information. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably have to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask for your school or job documents, or talk to your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior it's also connected to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning, and may want to assess you for other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.
If you're an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be diagnosed with adhd that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. Private clinics will be able to assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with an expert. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Although they aren't in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way however, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed up this process.
After you've been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to obtain medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will take a review your symptoms and determine whether they fit 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 anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also have to eliminate any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which provider to choose, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could use one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or directly yourself. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with the majority of private providers. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who will send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also consider other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more problems. This is especially the case if you did not receive the proper assistance as an infant.
Sometimes it is difficult to get an diagnosis, especially in the case of a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.