How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk with your doctor
GPs are often a first point of contact for people who think that they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in the assessment could be free or you may have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you 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 based on observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. They will also look at whether your your child's symptoms might be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
We recommend that you try to find an alternative GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to ask for a referral however it's well worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
If you've been referred for an evaluation the process should go quickly. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms. 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 determine whether you or your child have had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll have to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while 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 guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask to see your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as a child. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that, in the event that you are diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in your area. This could be a quicker and cheaper alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could have ADHD. While they may not be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer advice on how to accelerate the process if you are on a long waiting lists.
After you have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine whether they meet 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, they might need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to write to your GP with a form to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medication and CBT is the most effective. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for a referral to these or directly. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination via video or phone call with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they impact you and your daily routine. They might also request details of your medical background. They will also ask whether any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk you through the assessment process. adults diagnosed with adhd will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you have the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They'll also take into consideration other health issues that could hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more issues as you age and confront more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.