How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They should be attentive and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to employment. Due to medication shortages and delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They can take your concerns very seriously and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in it could be free or you may have to pay a fee. More details are available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It is important to remember that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or you may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get a different one. It isn't easy to get a referral however it's well worth it. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. The doctor will request specific details of your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist should carry out 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 determine if you or your child has suffered from these symptoms before to be able to examine the data. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that are able to conduct ADHD assessments. You will have to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. adhd diagnosis in adults uk will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take a long time to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your school or job records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way that your brain functions. Your specialist will look at your general functioning and may also want to assess other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and continue to impact your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually 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 be provided by the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health care team and healthcare provider. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. You can ask your GP for a referral
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 ask how it's affected you and your family. They will then refer you to an expert for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed things up.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if they meet 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 need to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you reside in 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 'Right To Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure the best choice for you or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how you can do it.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for a referral to these or call them directly yourself. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. adhd diagnosis in adult will ask you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact 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 can guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor who will recommend you to one. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest method to be diagnosed. If needed, your psychiatrist may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to look for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They may also look into other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they can cause more problems as you get older and confront more problems. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a child.
Sometimes it is difficult to get a diagnosis, particularly in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.