How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you believe that you may have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Speak with your doctor
The GP is often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child might be suffering from ADHD. They can take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on your location it could be free of charge, or you might have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting on 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 take a look at the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or you're symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We recommend that you find an alternative GP if your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to ask for referrals but it's worth it. There are adhd diagnosis adult uk from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you talk to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed quickly once you've been referred. The doctor will ask you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist 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 suffered from these symptoms previously and examine the data. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD evaluations. You will need to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take a long time to complete so try and complete them prior to your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way in which your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, and they'll still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be given medication, whether you are an adult or not. It is important to note that if you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and healthcare provider. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have long waiting lists.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether 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 some instances they may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also have to eliminate any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can get ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix between medications and CBT is most effective. But, everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your GP 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're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly yourself. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily routine. They may also ask for details of your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your issues have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for coping. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP 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 however it will provide you the fastest means to be diagnosed. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They may also look into other health conditions which can hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and encounter more problems. This is especially the case if you did not receive the right support as in your early years.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis if you're a member of an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.