How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They should consider your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They can take your concerns very seriously and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Based on the location of your home it could be free of charge, or you may have pay a small amount. Find more details on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It's important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from 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 consider how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own 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 trying to get a different one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for an appointment with. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. The doctor will request you or your child to provide specific information 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 determine whether you or your child has suffered from these issues in the past so they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD tests. You will have to request your GP to recommend one of these. You will likely need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They might ask for your employment or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will look at your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that when you are diagnosed privately, you will initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP documentation to sign a shared-care agreement, which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with a specialist. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. While they may not be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected you and your family. They will then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.
After you've been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess 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 certain cases they may need to rule out other conditions before making a decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine 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 GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you reside in England, it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose the 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 not sure which one to choose or if NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to use it.
4. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are numerous specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, and how they affect your life and daily activities. They may also ask for details about your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk about the assessment process. Suggested Reading will talk about how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor 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 for follow-up treatment if required.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health issues that could affect your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults, not children. This is because the majority of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they may cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a young person.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in the event that you're a minority or an individual who is 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.