How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to medication shortages and delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child might be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on your location the assessment could be free of charge, or you may have to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child's trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also take a look at the length of time the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms might be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out another one. 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 talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. The doctor will request details about your child's symptoms, and the specialist should carry out 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 check if you or your child has suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD tests. You will 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's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may ask to see your school or work records or talk with your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as an infant. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way in which your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning, and may want to look into other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you'll usually receive 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. The private clinician will be able to assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and yourself. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's information on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed this up.
If you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment, the psychiatrist will examine 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 have to rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to exclude any drug or alcohol misuse.
If adhd diagnosing decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your doctor will be able to 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 most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times are too long you can select one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are numerous specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact your life and daily activities. They might also request information about your medical background. They will also want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will refer you to one. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest method to be diagnosed. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood not as children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and confront more problems. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper support as a young person.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without taking note of your symptoms.
