How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They must be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free or you may have pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you 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 the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out a different one. It can be difficult to ask for an appointment, but it is worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The process of assessment should be completed quickly once you've been sent to a specialist. The doctor will request you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, questionnaire, and a 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 verify if you or your child has had these symptoms previously to be able to examine the data. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that can conduct ADHD assessments. You will need to request your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before 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 in the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also connected to the way in which your brain works. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you are functioning, and may want to look into other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and they will remain a significant influence on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It's worth noting that when you're diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private clinician 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 a legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with an expert. This is a quicker and less expensive alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child could have ADHD. While they may not be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and yourself. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer advice on how to accelerate the process if they have an extensive waiting list.
Once how is adhd diagnosed in adults have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only method to get access to medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with 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 may need to rule out other conditions before making a choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. 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 mix of medication and CBT is the most effective. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is important to know that you have a legal right to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're not sure which one to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, how they affect you and your daily routine. They may also request details about your medical history. They will also want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for dealing with stress. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
You can schedule 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 provide you the fastest means to be diagnosed. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, 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 symptoms manifest in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a young person.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.