How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD will often consult their doctor first. 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 may be free or you may be required to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take a 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 your own symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get an alternative one. It isn't easy to request a referral however it's well worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you talk to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The GP will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a 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 should also determine if you or your child has experienced similar symptoms before and compare the information. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers which can carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll need to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to check for other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood, and they'll still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. It is important to note that, when you're diagnosed by a private doctor then you'll initially receive your medication on the NHS. please click the next webpage should be able to help you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care, 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 times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment with an expert in your area. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
Speak with your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected your family and you. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to speed up the process if you are on a long waiting lists.
After you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
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 it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making a choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they determine 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 receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medication and CBT is most effective. However, everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which has a very helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer 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 an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also ask for information about your medical background. They will be looking to find out whether any family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They may also look into other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. diagnosing adhd in adults is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a young person.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis when you're a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly taking note of your symptoms.