How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your doctor
The GP is often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child may have ADHD. They can be very attentive to your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free, or you might have to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or yourself may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD by observing or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking an alternative one. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for an appointment with. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment, the process should move quickly. The doctor will request details of your or your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and 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 look to see if you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD tests. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your employment or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue It's also related to the way your brain works. Your specialist will look at your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, in the event that you're diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication through the NHS. Private clinicians can assist you in this and will provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a
If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. Although they won't be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed up this process.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will take a examine your symptoms and assess whether they meet 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 need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to obtain an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, undiagnosed adhd in adults is different.
If you reside in England it is important to know that you have the legal right to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which provider to choose or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how you can do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for the referral, or contact them directly. You can request an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with the majority of private providers. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as details of any relevant medical history. They will be looking to find out whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide about the assessment process. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will use this information to assess whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if don't know a GP that will send you to a psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis faster. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They'll also take into consideration other health issues that could affect your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more problems as you age and encounter more problems. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the proper support when you were in your early years.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.