How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They must be attentive and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on your location, this might be free of charge or you may have pay a small amount. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking a different one. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for a referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should go quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding 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 check if you or your child has experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may request your school or job records, or talk with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It's also connected to the way in which your brain works. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but nowadays, we know more. adhd diagnosing can last into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement so that you only pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
Talk with your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. While they may not be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed up this process.
Once you have been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine 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 instances they may need to exclude other conditions prior to making their choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to obtain an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT is the most efficient. However, everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times are too long you can select one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they affect your life and daily activities. They may also want to know information about your medical history. They will also want to know if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not have a doctor who will recommend you to one. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They'll also take into consideration other health conditions which can hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood not as children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the right support as in your early years.
It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis in the event that you're an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions of what people suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.