How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you think that you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible for Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD will often seek out their doctor first. They will take your concerns very seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. Based on the location of your home, this might be free of charge or you might have to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child may have trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, 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 they affect your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We recommend that you look for an alternative GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed in a short time after you have been sent to a specialist. The doctor will ask you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 will also want to determine if you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously, so they can examine the data. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably have to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment if possible.
Your physician will assess your symptoms within the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem it's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your overall functioning and may want to look into other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be provided by the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're located in England, you have a legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. They will then refer you to an expert for evaluation and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
After you have been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you 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 some instances, they might have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you can receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. adhd adults diagnosis find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you have a legal right to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about the best choice for you or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with details of any relevant medical background. They will also ask whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for dealing with stress. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis faster. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they will be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more problems as you grow older and encounter more challenges. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the appropriate support when you were an infant.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis if you're a member of a minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about how an individual with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.