How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
adhd diagnosis in adults uk may also be eligible for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. Due to medication shortages there could be delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child may have ADHD. They will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on your location it could be free or you may have pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It is important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out an alternative one. It can be difficult to get a referral, but it is worth it. There are a variety of 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 in a short time after you've been referred. The GP will inquire with you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a 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 will also verify if you or your child has had these symptoms previously to be able to compare information. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment if possible.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your school or job records, or speak with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way in which your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning, and may want to assess you for other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your doctor 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. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. Be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. adhd diagnosis in adult will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you have the legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Request your GP for a referral
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting your family and you. They should then refer you to a specialist for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed things up.
If you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine whether they fit the criteria for ADHD. adhd in adults diagnosis 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 rule out other conditions before making their decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you are unsure about which provider to choose, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or directly yourself. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with details of any relevant medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the assessment process. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a doctor who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more problems as you age and encounter more problems. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions of what people with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.