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 serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. Due to shortages of medication and delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can be attentive and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you could have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms aren't able to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. They will also look at how long your or child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking an alternative one. It isn't easy to get an appointment but it's worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The doctor will inquire with 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 want to determine if you or your child has suffered from these symptoms before, so they can compare the information. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers which can carry out ADHD tests. You will have to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask for your school or job records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning, and may want to assess you for other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In adhd diagnosed was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we know otherwise. 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 and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England, you are legally entitled to select your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with a specialist. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should be attentive to your concerns and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there is information on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed things up.
Once you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this visit, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and assess whether they are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making their choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD, they will write to your GP with paperwork to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT is the most effective. However, every person is different.
It is vital to know that if you reside in 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'and 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 select one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how you can do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK There are a variety of specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination via video or phone call with most private providers. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the assessment process. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis quicker. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also consider other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, 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 get older and encounter more challenges. This is particularly the case if you did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
Sometimes it is difficult to get an diagnosis, especially if you are from an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how an individual with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.