How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD will often seek out their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free of charge or you may be required pay a small amount. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get a different one. 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 assist you talk to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will request you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a 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 will also want to verify if you or your child has had these symptoms before, so they can compare information. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers which can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You will probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them before your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your work or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It's also related to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
If you're an adult or child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, if you're diagnosed privately then you'll initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians can assist you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with an expert. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected your family and you. They will then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to speed up the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
Once you have been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this visit the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and assess 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 some cases it is necessary to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. read here might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol use out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to write to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can 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 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're unsure of which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private providers. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical history. They will also ask if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will refer you to one. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may affect your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more issues as you age and confront more difficulties. This is especially the case if you did not receive the appropriate support as in your early years.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.