How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They will be attentive and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to seek out their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you could have to pay. Find more details on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand the reasons why you or your child might have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest that you find a new GP if your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to request referrals but it's worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you've been sent to a specialist. The doctor will request specific details of 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 determine if you or your child experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD tests. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your doctor will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that when you're diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment with a specialist in your area. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. Although they aren't in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to accelerate the process if you are on a long waiting lists.
If you've been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a look at your symptoms and determine if they are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some cases they may have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix between medication and CBT is the most effective. However, every person is different.
It is important to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare 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're unsure of which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are numerous specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they impact you and your daily routine. They might also want to know details about your medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will talk you through the process of assessment. 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 your strategies for coping. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit symptoms of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will refer you to one. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in their adulthood, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and encounter more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without assessing you symptoms.