How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. adhd diagnosis adults uk to the shortage of medications there could be delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can be attentive and refer you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free or you could have to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It is important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long your the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We suggest you look for a new GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
After you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The GP will ask you or your child to provide specific details regarding 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 if you or your child has experienced these symptoms before and compare the information. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may ask to see your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to check for other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by a specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and 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 fee.
If you're in England, you are legally entitled to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can book an online appointment with an expert. adhd diagnosis adults uk is often a quicker option than visiting your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected you and your family. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer advice on how to accelerate the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
After you have been recommended 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 be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if you are in line with the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases, they might require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination 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 healthcare provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you're not sure which one to select or if the NHS wait times are too long it is possible to choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which has a very helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
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 an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily life. They might also ask for details of your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will talk about the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you have the signs of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to get a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to determine very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health issues that could hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more issues as you age and face more problems. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the right support as in your early years.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.