How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They will be attentive and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free of charge or you may have to pay a fee. Find more details on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It is important to remember that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or you may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your or the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they impact your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out an alternative one. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you have been recommended. Doctors will want to know the details of your or 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 want to verify if you or your child has experienced these symptoms previously to be able to compare the information. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers which can carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as an infant. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior It's also related to the way your brain works. adhd diagnosed will look at the whole picture of how you are functioning, and may want to look into other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and still have an impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, when you are diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you with this and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make a private appointment online with a specialist in your region. adhd diagnosis adults uk is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. Although they won't be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally however, they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer tips on how to accelerate the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
After you've been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases it is necessary to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to obtain a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
If you reside in England it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to choose or if NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and specific details about any medical history. They will also want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed with time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however, it will give you the fastest method to be diagnosed. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to search for more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as adults and not as children. This is because the majority of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they may cause more problems as you get older and encounter more difficulties. This is especially true if you didn't get the right assistance as a child.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without taking note of your symptoms.