How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They will take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their GP first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free or you may have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to know that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We recommend that you look for an alternative GP if your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking 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.
After you've been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The doctor will request details about your child's symptoms, and 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 want to check if your or your child has suffered from these symptoms before and examine the data. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD tests. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your employment or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to look into other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and they'll still have a significant impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, your medication will firstly be obtained from the NHS. The private doctor can assist you with this and provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
If how to get diagnosed with adhd uk located in England you have a legal right to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your region. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to visiting your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected your family and you. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to speed up the process if you are on a long waiting lists.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the 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 some instances they may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can get ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If how to get diagnosed with adhd uk which provider to choose or if NHS wait times seem excessive, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
In the UK there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or directly. Most private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and information about any relevant medical history. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk 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 and your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest method to receive a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate like addiction disorders or depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults and not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis when you're an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.