How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They must consider your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. You may experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free or you might have to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It can be difficult 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 around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and any other people who know you. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or you're symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We suggest that you find an alternative GP if your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to ask for a referral however it's well worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you have been referred. Doctors will want to know the specific details of 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. adhd diagnosis in adults uk should also check if your or your child has suffered from these symptoms before to be able to examine the data. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete, so you should try to do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask to see your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way in which your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you are functioning, and may want to check for other mental health problems, 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 continue to impact your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with an expert. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer suggestions on how to accelerate the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
If you've been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this appointment, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if 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 some instances, they might have to rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP to obtain an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able access ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medication and CBT is most efficient. But, adhd in adults undiagnosed is different.
It is important 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 called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They might also request details about your medical background. They will also ask whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will use this information to assess whether or not you have 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 a bit more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the right support as in your early years.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.