How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to employment. Due to the shortage of medications there could be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They will be attentive and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free or you may be required to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child's difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and any other people who know you. They will also look at how long your or child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out an alternative one. It isn't easy to request a referral however it's well worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation the process should go quickly. GPs will ask for details of your or your child's symptoms. Then, 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 look to see whether you or your child have had these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres that are able to carry out ADHD assessments. You'll need to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. adhd uk diagnosis can take a long time to complete so try and complete them prior to your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or work documents or talk to your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as an infant. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication whether you are an adult or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help 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.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment online with a specialist. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you think you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally however, they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have long waiting lists.
Once you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and assess whether they are in line with 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 exclude other conditions prior to making their choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also need to eliminate any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. adult adhd diagnoses will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long you can select 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 offers a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or directly yourself. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with information about any relevant medical background. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the assessment process. They will discuss 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 strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will refer you to one. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also consider other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more problems as you grow older and encounter more problems. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the right support when you were a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.