How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. adhd adult diagnosis uk to medication shortages there could be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in the assessment could be free or you could have to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child's difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also take a look at how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get an alternative one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you've been sent to a specialist. The doctor will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 similar symptoms before and compare information. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They might ask for your work or school records, or talk with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, when you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication through 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 fee.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to select your doctor and mental health team. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
Speak with your GP If you think you or your child could have ADHD. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD however they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected you and your family. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to speed up the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
If you've been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they 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 may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT is most efficient. But, 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 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which provider to choose or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for the referral, or contact them directly. Most private providers allow you to schedule an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as 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 talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. getting a adhd diagnosis will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you have 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 health conditions which can affect your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you get older and encounter more difficulties. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a child.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.