How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to medication shortages there could be delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first point of contact for people who think that they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They will be attentive and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Based on the location of your home, this might be free of charge or you may be required pay a small amount. how is adhd diagnosed in adults can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or you might have trouble staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out another one. It isn't easy to get a referral, but it is worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you talk to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you've been sent to a specialist. The doctor will ask you or your child to provide specific details regarding your symptoms. The doctor 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 will also check whether you or your child have experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centres that are able to carry out ADHD assessments. You'll need to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment if possible.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to look into other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in your area. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. While they may not be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and you. They will then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, they can find information on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed up this process.
After you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a look at your symptoms and determine if they fit 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 rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to obtain the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT is most efficient. However, everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your doctor will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which provider to choose or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. adhd adults diagnosis uk can ask your GP for a referral to these or call them directly. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they affect you and your daily life. They may also ask for details of your medical history. They will also want to know if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for coping. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however, it will give you the fastest method to receive a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can determine very quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health issues that could hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and encounter more difficulties. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the right support as in your early years.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.