How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free or you could have to pay a fee. More details are available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that around 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 acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We suggest you try to find an alternative GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. GPs will ask for details about your child's symptoms. the specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and 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 verify if you or your child has had these symptoms previously and examine the data. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask to see your school or work records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as an infant. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to look into other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.
adult adhd diagnosis uk Iam Psychiatry will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that if you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication on the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you in this and will provide your GP documentation for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England you have the legal right to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in your region. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. While they may not be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and you. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide suggestions on how to accelerate the process if you are on a an extensive waiting list.
Once you have been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to obtain medications 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 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 some cases, they might need to rule out other conditions before making a decision, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also need to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your clinician can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination between medication and CBT is most effective. However, everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your doctor will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private providers will allow you to book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with specific details about any medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide about the assessment process. They will talk about how your issues have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to be diagnosed. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly 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 will also consider other health conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as adults, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if you did not receive the appropriate support when you were in your early years.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.