How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They must be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. Due to medication shortages and delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They can be attentive and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free, or you might have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or you and how they impact your life. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest you look for a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to request an appointment however it's well worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
Once you have been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child to provide specific information about 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 will also check if your or your child has suffered from these symptoms before, so they can compare information. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You will likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. These can take a while to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment if possible.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They might ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and remain a part of your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, in the event that you're diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication through the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed things up.
After you've been diagnosed, you will be given an appointment with a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this visit, the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine if 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 instances, they might have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to obtain a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medication and CBT is most efficient. However, every person is different.
If you live in England it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to use it.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
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. Most private providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as specific details about any medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who will refer you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest method to be diagnosed. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you get older and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis if you're a member of an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.