How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They will consider 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 the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your doctor
Doctors are often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in it could be free, or you might have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are taken seriously. It is important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your your child's symptoms could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get another one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for a referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will ask you or your child for details about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a 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 check if you or your child has experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably have to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a long time to fill out, so try to complete them before your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as a child. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It's also related to the way in which your brain works. Your specialist will look at your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and continue to impact your life.
You will be offered medication whether you are an adult or not. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. Private clinics will be able to assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist in your area. This is a quicker and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. They will then refer you to an expert for evaluation and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed things up.
After you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the 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 cases they may have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. how is adhd diagnosed in adults means that you will be able get ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your doctor will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of 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. The majority of private providers will allow you to book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They may also ask for details of your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk about the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If needed, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as 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 problems. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the proper assistance as an infant.
Sometimes it is difficult to get the diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what a person with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.