How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to 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 could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD usually consult their GP first. They will be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Based on the location of your home, this might be free of charge or you might have to pay a small fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It is important to remember that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out a different one. This can be difficult and it's a good idea to ask for an appointment with. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should go quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and a 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 has suffered from these issues in the past, so they can compare. adhd diagnosis uk adult is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centers which can carry out ADHD tests. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You will likely need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. 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 they'll still have a significant impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, your medication will firstly be provided by the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is speak to your GP. Although they aren't in a 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. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
After you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to be able 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 assess whether they fit the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases, they might have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can receive ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medications and CBT is the most effective. But, everyone is different.
It is vital 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 known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Make an appointment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They might also request details about your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide about the assessment process. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for coping. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to find more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. adhd diagnosis in adults uk will also take into account other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because the majority of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they can cause more issues as you get older and encounter more difficulties. This is especially true if you did not receive the proper assistance as an infant.
Sometimes it is difficult to get an diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.