How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD are likely to seek out their doctor first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on iampsychiatry.com live in it could be free or you could have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why you or your child might have trouble staying focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get a different one. It isn't easy to ask for referrals but it's worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed quickly once you have been recommended. The doctor will request details of your or your child's symptoms. Then, 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 should also verify if you or your child has had these symptoms before and compare information. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD tests. You'll have to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your work or school records, or talk with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will continue to impact your life.
You will be given medication, whether you are an adult or not. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be provided by the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care, which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP, and can be an economical alternative too.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you think you or your child may have ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed this up.
If you've been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will take a look at your symptoms and determine if 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 some cases they may 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 exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP to obtain the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medication and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which has a very helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly. Most private providers will allow you to book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they impact your life and daily activities. They might also want to know details about your medical history. They will also want to know whether any family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk about the assessment process. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the appropriate support when you were in your early years.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially in the case of a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.