How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They will be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They will take your concerns very seriously and send you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in it could be free or you may have to pay. More details are available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child might have trouble staying focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires 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 affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking another one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for a referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed swiftly after you have been referred. The doctor will request specific details of your child's symptoms, and 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. This Internet site should also verify if you or your child has had these symptoms previously and examine the data. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD assessments. You'll have to request your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a long time to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment, if you are able to.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult may request your school or job documents, or talk to your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and remain a part of your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England, you have the legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they aren't in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to speed up the process if they have long waiting lists.
Once you have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess 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 decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can receive ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you have a legal right to choose which provider your GP 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 aren't sure the best choice for you or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can schedule a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they affect your life and daily activities. They may also request details of your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will send you to a psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to get a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also take into account other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate like addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood and not as children. This is because most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they may cause more issues as you age and face more problems. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis if you're a member of a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.