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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Speak with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Based on the location of your home it could be free of charge, or you may have to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to know that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand why you or your child might have difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out an alternative one. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking for a referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.
After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The GP will request you or your child for specific information 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 look to see if you or your child had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers which can conduct ADHD tests. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and they will continue to have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. The private doctor will be able to help you in this and will provide your GP documentation to sign a shared-care agreement, which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England you are legally entitled to choose your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If adhd adult diagnosis uk decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for a referral
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed up this process.
If you've been referred, you will be given an appointment to see an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine whether 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 instances, they might require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can get ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. getting a adhd diagnosis will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which provider to choose or think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which has a very helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly. You can schedule a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also request details about your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed with time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest method to get a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other health conditions which can affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more problems as you age and encounter more problems. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a young person.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.
