How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can take your concerns very seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. Based on the location of your home the assessment could be free of charge, or you might have to pay a small fee. More details are available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out an alternative one. It isn't easy to request referrals, but it is worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The GP will request you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, 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 whether you or your child have had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll probably have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may request your school or job documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behavior issue It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to check for other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you have been suffering from ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be provided by 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 so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
Speak with your GP If you think you or your child could have ADHD. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to a specialist to be assessed and treated. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to speed up the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
Once you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment 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 to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if you satisfy 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 might require a diagnosis such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They might also have to rule out any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD and they decide to write to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the provider your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you are unsure about the best choice for you or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Book an assessment 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 book a diagnostic assessment via phone or video with most private providers. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with details of any relevant medical background. They will also want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who will refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis quicker. If needed, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They may also look into other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you grow older and confront more problems. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the appropriate assistance as in your early years.
It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis in the event that you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.