How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD, talk to your GP. They must consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You may experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk with your doctor
Doctors are often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They can be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in, it may be free or you could be required to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD based on observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children, and any other people who know you. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different condition (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get another one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for a referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you have been referred. Doctors will want to know the specific details of your child's symptoms, and the specialist will conduct 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 is important since a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You will need to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your employment or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way your brain works. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to check for other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult or not. It is important to note that, when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, you will initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with a specialist. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and is a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. They will not be able to identify you as having ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected your family and you. They will then refer you to a specialist to be assessed and treated. If they are on a long waiting list, there's information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed this up.
Once you have been identified, you will be given an appointment to see an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to obtain medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess 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 certain cases, they might require a diagnosis such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They might also have to exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT is most effective. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose'and applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure of which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long you can select one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide about how to do this.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
There are a variety of 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 a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also want to know details about your medical history. They will also want to know whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
adhd diagnose will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If needed, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they will be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and encounter more difficulties. This is particularly the case if you did not receive the appropriate assistance as an infant.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in the event that you're an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.