How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They will be attentive and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your doctor
The GP is often the first point of contact for people who think that they or their child could have ADHD. They can be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Based on the location of your home it could be free of charge, or you might have pay a small amount. You can find more information on the NHS website.
killer deal isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child might have difficulties staying focused or acting on 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 knows you. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your or your child's issues could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
We recommend that you look for a new GP in the event that your current doctor does not treat ADHD seriously. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for a referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.
After you've been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. GPs will ask for details of your or your child's symptoms. the specialist should carry out 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 want to determine if you or your child has had these symptoms before, so they can compare the information. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that are able to conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should 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 might ask for your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers, 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 is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and continue to impact your life.
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 the medication will initially come from the NHS. The private doctor will be able to help you with this and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care agreement so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment with a specialist in your area. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and is a more cost-effective option too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
Talk with your GP if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way however, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. They must then refer you a specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed this up.
After you've been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine whether they satisfy 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 exclude other conditions prior to making a decision, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT is most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you reside in England, it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to choose or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide on how to do this.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or directly yourself. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and specific details about any medical background. They will also want to know whether any family members have ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who will refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They may also look into other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood not as children. This is because the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more issues as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the proper support when you were a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially if you are from an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how people with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.