How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your doctor
The GP is often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child might have ADHD. They can be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location, this might be free or you might have pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take a look at how long your or the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking another one. It can be difficult to get referrals, but it is worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred to an assessment the process should be completed quickly. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms, and the specialist will conduct 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 verify if you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously to be able to compare the information. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a long time to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment if you can.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or job records, or talk with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It's also related to the way in which your brain works. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning, and may want to assess you for other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we know better. adhd diagnosed can last into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly come from the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist 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.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a
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 should be attentive to your concerns and inquire about how it has affected your family and you. They must then refer you an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there is information on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed things up.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if you satisfy the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making their decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medication and CBT is the most efficient. But, everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your doctor will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If getting a adhd diagnosis which provider to choose or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services, or contact them directly yourself. The majority of private providers will let you book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily life. They may also ask for details of your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for coping. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor who will recommend you to one. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to search for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions which can affect your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more problems. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to get a diagnosis, particularly if you are from an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.