How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They will be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your doctor
GPs are often a first port of call for people who think that they or their child might be suffering from ADHD. They can be very attentive to your concerns and send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free, or you might have to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to remember that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also consider how long your or your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms can be explained better by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We recommend that you try to find an alternative GP if your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you've been sent to a specialist. The doctor will request you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a 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 check whether you or your child have experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them before your appointment, if you are able to.
undiagnosed adhd in adults will examine your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to check for other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and continue to impact your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're located in England, you have a legal right to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This is a quicker and less expensive alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child could have ADHD. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
After you have 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 medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a examine your symptoms and determine 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 some instances they may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you have ADHD, they will write to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you'll be able to receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix between medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.
It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the "Right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem excessive you can select one of the other providers that provide 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 about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or directly yourself. The majority of private providers will allow you to book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they impact you and your daily life. They might also want to know information about your medical background. They will want to know whether 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've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. It is more expensive but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.