How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child could have ADHD. They can be attentive and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in the assessment could be free, or you might be required to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, 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 suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also take into consideration how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
We recommend that you look for an alternative GP If your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The doctor will request details of your or 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. They will also determine whether you or your child has experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD is only done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres that are able to conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for an appointment with your GP. You will likely need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment, if you are able to.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult or not. It is important to note that when you are diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with an expert in your area. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They will not be able to identify you as having ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. They must then refer you a specialist to be assessed and treated. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer advice on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
Once you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will take a review your symptoms and determine if 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, they might require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol use out.
If diagnosing adhd in adults decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP to obtain the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have the 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 it applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or directly yourself. You can book an assessment of diagnostics by phone or video with most private companies. They will ask you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and specific details about any medical history. 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 symptoms have impacted your life and how they've 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.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis faster. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to look for more corroborative evidence by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more issues as you age and face more difficulties. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the appropriate support as an infant.
Sometimes it's difficult to get an diagnosis, especially when you belong to a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of the signs.