How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns very seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location the assessment could be free of charge or you may be required to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms might be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking another one. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking 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.
If you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The GP will request you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The doctor 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 previously to be able to compare information. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD evaluations. You will need to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as an infant. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem it's also connected to the way your brain works. Your specialist will look at your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, and they'll remain a significant influence on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This can be a faster and cheaper alternative to going through your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
If you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. They will then refer you to a specialist for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have long waiting lists.
Once you have been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if 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 rule out other conditions before making a decision, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to obtain a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the "Right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long you can select one of the other providers that provide 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. Book an assessment with an expert
In the UK there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private providers will allow you to book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with details of any relevant medical background. They will also ask whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed with time. getting a adhd diagnosis will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will use this information to assess whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If getting a adhd diagnosis , your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they will be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more issues as you grow older and face more problems. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a child.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis if you're a member of a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.