How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. You may experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child could have ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on your location it could be free of charge or you may be required pay a small amount. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 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 difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also take a look at the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We suggest that you try to find an alternative GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to request a referral, but it is worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you've been referred. The GP will inquire with you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 check if your or your child has experienced similar symptoms before, so they can compare information. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centers that can perform ADHD assessments. You'll have to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably have to fill out a few questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to examine other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now are aware of the contrary. 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 child or not. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly come from the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England, you have a legal right to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
Speak with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Although they aren't in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally however, they will take your concerns seriously. Click On this page will ask you how it has affected your family and you. They must then refer you a specialist for assessment and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer advice on how to accelerate the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
Once you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
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 some cases it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making their choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also have to eliminate any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you will be able receive ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medication and CBT is most efficient. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England it is important to know that you have the legal right to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose'and applies to adults as well as children. If you're not sure which one to choose or if NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly. Most private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as details of any relevant medical background. They will also want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They may also look into other health conditions which can affect your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more problems as you age and encounter more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis when you're a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.