How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They should take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD will often consult their GP first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in it could be free or you may be required to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It's important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also look at whether your your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We suggest that 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 an appointment with. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed quickly once you've been recommended. The GP will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 information. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll likely need to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may request your employment or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and they will remain a significant influence on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be provided by the NHS. The private doctor will be able to assist you in this and will provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment with a specialist in your region. This could be a quicker and less expensive alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD but they should be attentive to your concerns and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. They should then refer you to a specialist to be assessed and treated. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer tips on how to speed up the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine whether they meet 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, they might have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If diagnose adhd decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able get ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
It is vital to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers who do 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. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for the referral, or contact them directly. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with specific details about any medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if you don't know a GP that will send you to a psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis faster. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can determine very quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They'll also take into consideration other health conditions which can affect your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and encounter more problems. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of the signs.