How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you think that you may have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD will often consult their GP first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location, this might be free or you may be required to pay a small fee. More details are available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get an alternative one. It isn't easy to request 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.
The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you've been sent to a specialist. The doctor will request you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 your or your child has had these symptoms before, so they can compare the information. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. It is important to remember that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also 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 suffering from ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. It is important to note that, when you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England, you are legally entitled to select your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with an expert. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP, and can be an economical alternative too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. They will not be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected you and your family. They must then refer you an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer suggestions on how to accelerate the process if they have an extensive waiting list.
After you have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the 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 it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making their choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your doctor can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medication and CBT is the most effective. However, everyone is different.
If adhd diagnosing reside in England, it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your doctor 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 you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long you can select one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to use it.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can request a diagnostic assessment via video or phone call with most private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they affect your life and daily activities. They might also ask for details about your medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will refer you to one. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if needed.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to look for more corroborative evidence by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus for a long time, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because the majority of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the appropriate support as a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.