How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They will be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child might have ADHD. They can be attentive and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free or you may be required to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child's trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know 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 your child's symptoms might be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out an alternative one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
Once you have been referred to an assessment, the process should move quickly. The GP will request you or your child for details about 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 should also check if your or your child has experienced these symptoms previously to be able to examine the data. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your employment or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It is also linked to the way in which your brain works. Your specialist will look at your overall functioning and may want to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been how to get diagnosed with adhd uk that ADHD is only a problem for children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and they will continue to 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 know that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. The private doctor will be able to assist you with this and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is speak to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
After you have been directed to a psychiatrist you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you 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 cases it is necessary to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also have to exclude any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
It is important to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They may also want to know information about your medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. They will use this information to assess whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to search for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or speaking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions which can hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and 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 confront more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the appropriate assistance as in your early years.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.