How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free or you could be required to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your child's or your own symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
adults diagnosed with adhd suggest you find an alternative GP if your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for an appointment with. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. The GP will request you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, 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 had similar symptoms before to be able to compare information. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that are able to conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your employment or school records, or talk with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It is also linked to the way in which your brain works. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to check for other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. There was a long-standing 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.
No matter if you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive 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 will be able to assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. While they may not be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer suggestions on how to speed up the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
Once you've 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 assistance.
During this visit the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine whether they meet 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 they may have to rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they decide that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose which provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. adult adhd diagnoses has a guide on how to do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with specific details about any medical background. They will also ask if 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've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who will send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however, it will give you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to find more evidence to support it by asking you questions or speaking to people who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and encounter more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support when you were in your early years.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.