How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to medication shortages, you could experience delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in it could be free, or you might have to pay. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. adult diagnosis of adhd to remember that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and any other people who know you. They will also consider how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms might be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We recommend that you try to find an alternative GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to get a referral, but it is worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation, the process should move quickly. The doctor will request you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 should also check if your or your child has had these symptoms previously, so they can compare information. This is important because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers that can conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a while 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 adult diagnostics. They might ask for your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. However, we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This could be a quicker and cheaper alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to identify you with ADHD formally but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected you and your family. They must then refer you a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to speed up the process if they have an extensive waiting list.
After you've been identified, you will be given an appointment to see psychiatrists 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 evaluate 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 cases they may require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with the majority of private providers. They will ask you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and information about any relevant medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if you don't know a GP that will refer you to one. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if needed.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they can cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a young person.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed when you're 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 looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.