How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD will often consult their GP first. They can be attentive and recommend you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on the location you live in it could be free or you may have to pay. More details are available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child's trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also take a look at the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they affect your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We recommend that you find an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get an appointment, but it is worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. diagnosing adhd in adults will ask you or your child to provide specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a 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 check if you or your child has experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centers which can perform ADHD tests. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask to see your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as a child. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way in which your brain functions. Your specialist will look at your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult or not. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and is cheaper too.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD however they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there's information on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed this up.
After you've been referred, you will be given an appointment to see a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to obtain medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a review your symptoms and assess 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 some cases they may require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your doctor can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person 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 adults as well as children. If you are unsure about the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could make use of alternative providers who do 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 you can do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, and how they affect you and your daily life. They may also ask for details of your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for dealing with stress. They will use this information to assess whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They may also look into other health conditions which can hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because the majority of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more problems as you get older and confront more problems. This is particularly the case if you did not receive the right support when you were a child.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis when you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.