How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to 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 be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD usually consult their GP first. They will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in, it may be free or you could have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or you may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We recommend that you find an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor does not treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, 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 assist you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you've been recommended. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist will conduct 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 determine if you or your child has experienced similar symptoms before and examine the data. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that are able to carry out ADHD tests. You will have to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely need to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should try to do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way in which your brain functions. Your specialist will look at your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and continue to impact your life.
You will be given medication, whether you are an adult or not. It's worth noting that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, you will initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you in this and will provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a
Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting you and your family. They must then refer you an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process if you are on a an extensive waiting list.
If you've been referred, you will be given an appointment with an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to obtain medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if 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 cases they may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medications and CBT is most effective. However, every person is different.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you have the legal right to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If diagnosing adhd in adults are unsure about which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
In the UK there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical history. They will be looking to find out whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor who will recommend you to one. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They may also look into other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more problems as you get older and face more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
It can be challenging 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 notions about what an individual with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.