How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child may have ADHD. They can be attentive and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you could have to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at how long your or the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking a different one. It isn't easy to get referrals however it's well worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed quickly once you've been referred. GPs will ask for details of your or 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 similar symptoms before, so they can compare information. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask to see your school or work records or talk with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to look into other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by a specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication whether you are an adult or not. It is important to note that, if you're diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're located in England, you have a legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. While they may not be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal manner, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected you and your family. They will then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed this up.
If you've been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they 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, they might require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also need to exclude any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. adhd in adults undiagnosed means that you can get ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination between medication and CBT is the most effective. But, everyone is different.
If you live in England it is important to know that you have a legal right to choose which provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long it is possible to choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers 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
In the UK there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics by phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also request information about your medical history. They will also ask if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more issues as you age and face more problems. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a young person.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed when you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how someone suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.