How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child may have ADHD. They can be attentive and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on your location it could be free of charge, or you may have to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions 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 suffers from ADHD based on observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. adhd diagnosis in adults will also consider how long your or child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out an alternative one. It isn't easy to ask for an appointment but it's worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will request details about your child's symptoms, and the specialist should carry out 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 has suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that, if you are diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication through the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and you. They will then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, they can find information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed up this process.
Once you have been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they are in line with the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases they may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP for a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able access ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you reside in England it is important to know that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you're not sure which one to pick 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 learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how you can do it.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for a referral to these or directly. You can request an assessment of diagnostics by phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also request details about your medical history. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed with time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and 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 don't know a GP that will refer you to one. adhd diagnosis in adults may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more problems as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if you did not receive the proper assistance as in your early years.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in the event that you're a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.