How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. Due to medication shortages and delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first port of call when people suspect they or their child might have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on where you live it could be free, or you might have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child might have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your your child's symptoms might be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking a different one. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, 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 should also verify if you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously to be able to compare information. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD tests. You'll have to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely need to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask for your employment or school records, or talk with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It is also linked to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your doctor will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It's worth noting that in the event that you are diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Have your GP to refer you
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. They must then refer you an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there is information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed things up.
Once you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine whether 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 require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you will be able get ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you live in England, it is important to know that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive you can select one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which has a very helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. diagnosis adhd can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private companies. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to be diagnosed. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to find more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions which can affect your ability to concentrate, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more problems as you age and encounter more challenges. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the right support as a child.
Sometimes it is difficult to get a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about what people suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.