How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
GPs are often a first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child might have ADHD. They can be attentive and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Based on the location of your home it could be free of charge or you may have pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or yourself may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. They will also take a look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get an alternative one. It can be a challenge, but 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 speak to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed in a short time after you've been recommended. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms, and 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 check if you or your child have experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres that are able to perform ADHD tests. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment if possible.
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 parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as an infant. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to check for other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be given medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. The private clinician can assist you with this and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In adhd adults diagnosis , you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might have ADHD. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed things up.
Once you have been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and assess whether they fit 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 it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making their decision, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also need to eliminate any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you live in England, it is important to know that you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. The majority of private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily life. They might also want to know details about your medical background. They will also ask whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if you don't know a GP that will send you to a psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest method to get a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health conditions that may impact your ability to focus, such as addiction or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more problems as you get older and face more challenges. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the proper support when you were in your early years.
Sometimes it's difficult to get a diagnosis, particularly if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about how someone with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without analysing your symptoms.