How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They should take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location the assessment could be free of charge, or you may be required to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child's difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and any other people who know you. They will also take a look at the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your or your child's issues could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out another one. It isn't easy to get an appointment but it's worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a 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 check if your or your child has suffered from these symptoms before to be able to compare the information. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD tests. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should try to complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask to see your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will look at your overall functioning and may 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. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health team and healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and is cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process if they have an extensive waiting list.
If Iampsychiatry 've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if you meet 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, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule out any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
It is vital to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you're not sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
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. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private companies. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as information about any relevant medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide about the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however, it will give you the fastest method to receive a diagnosis. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They may also look into other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is because the majority of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you grow older and face more difficulties. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the proper support as an infant.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis when you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.