How to Get adhd diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can be attentive and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in it could be free or you could be required to pay. Find more details on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We suggest you find an alternative GP If your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get referrals however it's well worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed swiftly after you have been referred. The doctor will request details of your or your child's symptoms, and 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 if you or your child suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask to see your work or school records or talk with your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as a child. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your overall functioning and may want to assess other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that if you're diagnosed by a private doctor then you'll initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private doctor will be able to help you in this and will provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you have the legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they won't be in a position to identify you with ADHD formally but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and yourself. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed this up.
If you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if you 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 anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also have to exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most 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 the healthcare provider that your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose'and applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure of which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long you can select one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which has a very helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Book 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 for a referral to these or call them directly yourself. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and information about any relevant medical background. They will also ask if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will refer you to one. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they can cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is especially true if you did not receive the right support when you were in your early years.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis when you're a minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how someone with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly taking note of your symptoms.