How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They must consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. Due to shortages of medication and delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first port of call for people who think that they or their child might have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on your location the assessment could be free of charge, or you may be required to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child may have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers 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 consider the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your own symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We suggest you find a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will request details of your or your child's symptoms. 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 determine whether you or your child had these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important since 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 carry out ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably have to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to fill out, so try to complete them before your appointment if possible.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may request your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about the way you behaved as an infant. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It is also linked to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health problems, such as 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, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and remain a part of your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England, you are legally entitled to select your mental health care team and healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might have ADHD. Although they aren't in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's information on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed things up.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether 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 it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making a decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the "Right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They might also want to know information about your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
getting a adhd diagnosis will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if don't know a GP that will refer you to one. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
adhd diagnosis adults uk qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to look for more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is because most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more problems as you get older and face more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a young person.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed when you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.