How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you think that you may have ADHD. adhd diagnosis adults should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free, or you might be required to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child may have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. They will also look at the length of time the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We recommend that you try to find a new GP If your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will request you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a 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 determine if you or your child has suffered from similar symptoms before and compare information. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centres that are able to carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll have to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior it's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and remain a significant influence 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 privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for 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 select your doctor and mental health team. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule 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. Request your GP for an appointment
Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD. While they may not be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. They will then refer you to a specialist to be assessed and treated. If they have a long waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed up this process.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. adult adhd diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a review your symptoms and determine whether they fit 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 might need to exclude other conditions prior to making a decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also have to eliminate any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. adult adhd diagnosis find that a combination of medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to choose or if NHS wait times seem excessive, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book a diagnostic assessment via phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily routine. They might also request details about your 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 assessment process. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will use this information to assess whether or not you have 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 on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis faster. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to search for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in 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 an infant.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis if you're a member of a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.