How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you think that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. Due to medication shortages, you could experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free of charge or you may be required to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It is 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 focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We recommend that you look for a new GP If your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed swiftly after you have been sent to a specialist. The GP will ask you or your child to provide specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a questionnaire and a 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 determine if you or your child had these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are many NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may request your work or school records or talk with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way in which your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now have proof that the opposite is true. adhd adults diagnosis uk can last well into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult or not. adhd diagnosis adult uk noting that when you're diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician can assist you in this process and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England you are legally entitled to select your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is speak to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD but they should be attentive to your concerns and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to speed up the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
Once you have been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to obtain 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 whether they are in line with 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 a decision, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also have to exclude any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
It is vital to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP 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 which provider to choose or if NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how you can do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or directly. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide details regarding your symptoms and how they affect your life and daily activities. They may also want to know information about your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they will be able to search for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or speaking to people who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more difficulties. This is especially the case if you did not receive the appropriate support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis in the event that you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about how people with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.