How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to medication shortages, you could experience delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
The GP is often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in the assessment could be free, or you might have to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or you may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they affect your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out an alternative one. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
Once adhd diagnosis uk adult have been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. Doctors will want to know the specific details of 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 look to see if you or your child suffered from these issues in the past, so they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD tests. You'll have to request your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask to see your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will look at 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 your specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children but now we know better. 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 child or not. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. adhd diagnosis in adults uk will be able to assist you in this and will provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, so that you only pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and is a more cost-effective option too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert for evaluation and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed this up.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will look at 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 might require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your clinician can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination between medication and CBT is the most effective. But, everyone is different.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose which provider 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 not sure which one 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 find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can request an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with the majority of private providers. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also take into account other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate like addiction disorders or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper support as a young person.
Sometimes it can be difficult to get the diagnosis, especially when you belong to a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.