How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They should consider your concerns seriously and recommend 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 getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD will often consult their GP first. They will be attentive and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free of charge or you may be required to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or acting on 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 knows you. They will also consider the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your your child's issues could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We suggest you try to find an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor does not treat ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to ask for an appointment, but it is worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you have been sent to a specialist. GPs will ask for 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 should also verify if you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously to be able to compare the information. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may request your school or work documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behavior issue It's also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will assess your overall functioning and may want to look into other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, and they'll still 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. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Although adhd diagnosed won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way, they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to accelerate the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
After you have been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases, they might need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the 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 provider 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 are unsure about which provider to choose or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide on how to do this.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for the referral or call them directly yourself. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical history. They will also want to know whether any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to be diagnosed. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to determine very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus like addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is because the majority of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and confront more problems. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the proper support as a child.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis when you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions of what an individual with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.