How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk to your doctor
Doctors are often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child might have ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in it could be free or you could have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child may have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out a different 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 consult your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you've been sent to a specialist. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms. 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 look to see whether you or your child have experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is important because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll probably have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or job records, or talk with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to check for other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It's worth noting that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you in this and will provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to choose your health care provider and mental health team. So, if you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make a private appointment online with a specialist in your region. This can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD however they should be attentive to your concerns and inquire about how it has been affecting your family and you. They will then refer you to a specialist for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to speed up the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
If you've been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to access medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and assess whether they fit the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making a choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can get ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT is the most effective. But, everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers who do 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. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly yourself. You can schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to provide details regarding your symptoms and how they affect your life and daily activities. They may also ask for details about your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the assessment process. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. Iam Psychiatry is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they will be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or speaking to people who know you well. They will also take into account other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more problems as you age and encounter more challenges. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis when you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.