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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child might have ADHD. They can be attentive and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free or you could have to pay. More details are available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We recommend that you try to find an alternative GP if your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to request an appointment but it's worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, 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 will also want to check if your or your child has suffered from these symptoms previously, so they can compare the information. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You will need to ask for an appointment 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 do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may request your employment or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to look into other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and remain a part of your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to know that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there is information on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed up this process.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you satisfy 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 need to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose', and it applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure of which provider to choose or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. adult adhd diagnoses can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly yourself. You can request an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with most private providers. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and 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 assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who will send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will 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 confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also consider other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more problems as you grow older and encounter more challenges. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper support as a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to get a diagnosis, particularly in the case of an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.