How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you think that you may have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first point of contact when people suspect they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adult will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free or you may have to pay a fee. More details are available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms aren't able to be taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child's difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also take a look at how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking an alternative one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for an appointment with. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you have been sent to a specialist. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a questionnaire and a medical exam. 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 should also verify if you or your child has had these symptoms before and compare the information. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to carry out ADHD assessments. You will need to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them prior to your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. It is important to remember that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and still have a significant impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be obtained from the NHS. The private doctor will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, so that you only pay the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you have the legal right to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
Speak to your GP If you think you or your child may have ADHD. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner however, they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, adhd diagnosis in adults uk should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed things up.
If you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if 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 some cases they may require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can access ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you have the legal right to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're not sure which one to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as details of any relevant medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for dealing with stress. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you have the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis faster. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus, such as addiction disorders or depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more challenges. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.