How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
diagnosis of adhd could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to medication shortages there could be delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child could have ADHD. They will be attentive and recommend you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on the area you live in, it may be free or you could be required to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get a different one. This can be difficult and it's a good idea to ask for referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will request specific details of your child's symptoms, and 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 determine if you or your child has had these symptoms previously to be able to examine the data. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll need to request for an appointment with your GP. You'll probably have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask to see your school or work records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will look at your overall performance and may decide to examine other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, and they'll remain a significant influence on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It's worth noting that in the event that you're diagnosed by a private doctor then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you have the legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This could be a quicker and cheaper alternative to going through your GP.
3. Request your GP for a referral
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD however they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. They must then refer you an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer tips on how to speed up the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
Once diagnosing adhd 've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to obtain medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess 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 might need to exclude other conditions prior to making a decision, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they decide that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you will be able get ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medication and CBT is most efficient. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which offers a great guide on how to do this.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with information about any relevant medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the assessment process. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you have the symptoms of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if don't know a GP that will send you to a psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate like addiction or depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis if you're a member of an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.
