How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They should be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications there could be delays in obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first point of contact for people who think that they or their child may have ADHD. They will be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free or you may have to pay a fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
It isn't easy 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 suffer from ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child might have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your or the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they affect your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
We suggest you look for an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. This can be difficult and it's a good idea to ask for referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you talk to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed in a short time after you've been sent to a specialist. GPs will ask for details of your or 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 will also look to see whether you or your child has experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask to see your school or work documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as an infant. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way that your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to check for other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor how long you have been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood, and they'll still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that if you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via 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 which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England, you have the legal right to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. You can ask your GP for a referral
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected you and your family. They will then refer you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process if you are on a long waiting lists.
If you've been identified, you will be given an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to obtain medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and assess whether 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 cases, they might need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a decision, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to obtain an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you live 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 applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure which provider to choose or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the 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 use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly. The majority of private providers will let you book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also ask for information about your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who will refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis faster. adhd diagnostic can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if needed.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed when you're a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly taking note of your symptoms.