How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They must consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD will often consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Based on the location of your home, this might be free of charge or you might have to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms aren't able to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or you may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out an alternative one. It can be difficult to ask for referrals however it's well worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you've been recommended. The GP will request you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a 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. adhd diagnostic will also determine if you or your child has suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialization centers which can carry out ADHD assessments. You will need to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably have to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can take a while to complete so try and complete them before your appointment if you can.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask for your school or job records, or speak with your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It is also linked to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that, when you are diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician can assist you in this process and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health team and healthcare provider. 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. diagnosed with adhd can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Although they aren't in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, they can find information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed this up.
If you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a look at your symptoms and determine whether 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 need to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can access ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medication and CBT is the most effective. However, every person is different.
If you reside in England it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose'and applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to pick or if NHS wait times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for a referral to these or call them directly yourself. The majority of private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, and how they affect your life and daily activities. They might also request details of your medical background. 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 symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis quicker. If needed, your psychiatrist may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They may also look into other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as adults, not children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more issues as you age and confront more problems. This is especially true if you did not receive the proper assistance as in your early years.
It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis in the event that you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how someone with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without analysing your symptoms.