How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you think that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns very serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD will often consult their GP first. They will be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you may have to pay a fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or yourself might have trouble staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your your child's issues could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get another one. It isn't easy to ask for referrals but it's worth it. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. GPs will ask for details about your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist should carry out 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 whether you or your child suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD assessments. You'll need to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them before your appointment if you can.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask to see your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue It's also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
You will be offered medication whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to note that in the event that you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication on the NHS. Private clinics will be able to assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care, which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're in England you have the legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child may have ADHD. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD however they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed up this process.
Once you have been identified, you will be given an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether 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 might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also have to exclude any drug or alcohol misuse.
If getting a adhd diagnosis decide that you have ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people prefer a mix of medication and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you have the legal right to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you are unsure about which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which provides a helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for the referral, or contact them directly yourself. You can request a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with most private providers. They will ask you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with specific details about any medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. This is a bit more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also consider other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a child.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis if you're a member of an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.