How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in receiving an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
GPs are often a first point of contact for people who think that they or their child may have ADHD. They will be attentive and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free of charge or you may have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. 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 daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms can be explained better by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out another one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for an appointment with. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will request details of your or your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist will conduct 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 whether you or your child have suffered from these issues in the past so they can compare. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD assessments. You will have to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask for your school or job documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It's also related to the way your brain works. Your specialist will look at your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
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 in the event that you are diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private doctor can assist you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health care team and healthcare provider. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. adult adhd diagnoses is a quicker and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for a referral
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is 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 you how it has affected your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to accelerate the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
If you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see a psychiatrist 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 also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During this visit the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine whether they meet 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 they may require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose which provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose', and it applies to adults as well as children. If you're not sure which provider to choose, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how you can do it.
4. Request an assessment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or directly yourself. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and details of any relevant medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
adult adhd diagnoses are made in adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more problems. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a young person.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in the event that you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.