How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk 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 may be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to seek out their doctor first. They can be attentive and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Based on the location of your home, this might be free of charge, or you may have to pay a small fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child may have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD based on observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out a different one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for an appointment with. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an evaluation, the process should move quickly. GPs will ask for details of your or your child's symptoms. 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 whether you or your child have had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centers which can carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out a few questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also related to the way that your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning, and may want to look into other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will continue to impact your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be obtained from the NHS. adult diagnosis adhd can assist you in this and will provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. They will not be able to identify you as having ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to speed up the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
Once you have been diagnosed, you will be given an appointment to see a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
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 certain cases, they might need to rule out other conditions before making their decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also need to eliminate any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they find that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to sign 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. The majority of people find that a combination between medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you reside in England, it is important to know that you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which offers a great guide on how to do this.
4. Request an assessment with an expert
There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can request a diagnostic assessment via phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, and how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also ask for details of your medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a doctor who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health issues that could impact your ability to focus, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more problems as you age and encounter more problems. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about how an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without assessing you symptoms.