How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will be attentive and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free or you might have pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long your or 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 issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking a different one. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for an appointment with. adhd diagnoses can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you've been referred. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist 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 verify if you or your child has experienced similar symptoms before and examine the data. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for an appointment with your GP. You'll probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to assess other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist what time 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 persist well into adulthood, and will still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor the medication will initially be obtained from the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England you have a legal right to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with a specialist. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They will not be able to identify you as having ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected your family and you. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed things up.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with 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 have to rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
If you reside in England it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're not sure which one to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive you can select one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can request an assessment of diagnostics by phone or video with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They may also request information about your medical history. They will also want to know whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will send you to a psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis faster. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the right support as an infant.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially in the case of a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.