How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD Talk to your GP. They must be attentive and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to medication shortages there could be delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD are likely to seek out their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free or you may have to pay. Find more details 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 suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or you might have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering 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 into consideration how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your life. They will also consider whether your your child's issues could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking an alternative one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you talk to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation, the process should move quickly. The GP will inquire with you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, 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 your or your child has experienced these symptoms previously to be able to compare the information. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD assessments. click the up coming website 'll have to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to look into other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will still have an impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you with this and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England, you have a legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment with an expert in your area. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed up this process.
Once you have been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a review your symptoms and determine 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 need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also have to exclude any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix between medications and CBT is the most efficient. But, everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose which provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose'and applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times are too long, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can book a diagnostic assessment via phone or video with the majority of private providers. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and information about any relevant medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and coping strategies. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis faster. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if needed.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to look for more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or speaking to people who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus like addiction disorders or depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults and not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the appropriate support as a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about how an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without assessing you symptoms.