How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to medication shortages, you could experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
GPs are often a first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child might have ADHD. They will be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult could be free of charge, or you may be required pay a small amount. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand why you or your child's trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether 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 consider how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest that you look for an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to ask for referrals, but it is worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and a 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 check if your or your child has experienced these symptoms previously, so they can compare information. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD is only done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your work or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way in which your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning, and may want to assess you for other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will continue to impact your life.
No matter if you're an adult or child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that when you're diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're in England you have the legal right to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is speak to your GP. While they may not be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer tips on how to speed up the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine whether they satisfy 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 might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also need to eliminate any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they determine that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork 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. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you're not sure which one to choose 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 by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Make an appointment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private companies. You will be asked to provide details regarding your symptoms and how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also request details of your medical background. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will send you to a psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest method to receive a diagnosis. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to search for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or speaking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may impact your ability to focus, such as addiction or depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more problems as you age and encounter more difficulties. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a child.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.