How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your GP. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications there could be delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD will often consult their doctor first. They can be attentive and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free or you may have to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also consider how long your or the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking a different one. This can be difficult and it's a good idea to ask 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.
After you've been referred for an evaluation, the process should move quickly. The GP will inquire with you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a 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 verify if you or your child has had these symptoms previously, so they can examine the data. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask to see your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. ADHD is more than just adhd diagnosis adult uk . It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and remain a part of your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health care team and healthcare provider. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This could be a quicker and less expensive alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally however, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. They will then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed things up.
After you have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess 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 cases it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making a choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT is the most efficient. However, everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure the best choice for you or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how you can do it.
4. Book 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. The majority of private providers will allow you to book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical background. They will be looking to find out whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the assessment process. 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 use this information to assess whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis quicker. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more problems as you get older and confront more difficulties. This is especially true if you did not receive the appropriate assistance as in your early years.
Sometimes it's difficult to get a diagnosis, particularly if you are from an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly taking note of your symptoms.