How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD will often consult their GP first. diagnosing adhd in adults will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on the area you live in it could be free or you could have to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or yourself may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long your or the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your your child's issues could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking another one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms. 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 look to see whether you or your child suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD assessments. You will have to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will look at your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're located in England you have a legal right to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
Speak to your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. While they may not be in a position to identify you with ADHD formally but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed this up.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During click to investigate will take a review your symptoms and determine whether they meet 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 they may need to rule out other conditions before making a choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination between medication and CBT is most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you reside in England it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose which provider your GP 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 of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times are too long you can select one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as information about any relevant medical history. They will also ask whether any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will recommend you to one. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest method to get a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also take into account other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and encounter more difficulties. This is especially the case if you did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
Sometimes it is difficult to get the diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual with ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.