How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. Due to shortages of medication and delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD will often consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on your location it could be free or you may have to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to remember that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or yourself may struggle to stay focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long your or the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they impact your life. They will also consider whether your your child's symptoms might be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We suggest that you look for a new GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to request a referral but it's worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed quickly once you've been sent to a specialist. Doctors will want to know the details about 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 should also verify if you or your child has suffered from these symptoms before, so they can examine the data. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to carry out ADHD tests. You will need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and complete them before your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may ask to see your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning, and may want to look into other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by a specialist what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to note that in the event that you're diagnosed privately then you'll initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private clinician can assist you in this process and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This can be a faster and cheaper alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child may have ADHD. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and you. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed up this process.
If you've been diagnosed, you will be given an appointment to see psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and assess 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 certain cases, they might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you will be able access ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. adhd diagnosis adult find that a mix between medication and CBT is most effective. But, everyone is different.
If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you're not sure which one to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide information 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 have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest way to be diagnosed. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They may also look into other health conditions which can affect your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
how to get diagnosed with adhd uk of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you grow older and confront more problems. This is especially true if your did not get the right assistance as a child.
Sometimes it is difficult to get an diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.