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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your GP. They must be attentive and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD are likely to seek out their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Based on the location of your home it could be free or you may be required pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child may have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with 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 your child's symptoms might be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We recommend that you find a new GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to request referrals but it's worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you've been sent to a specialist. The GP will request you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The doctor will 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. They will also want to verify if you or your child has had similar symptoms before, so they can compare the information. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres that are able to carry out ADHD tests. You will need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment if you can.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to check for other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. However, we now have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will continue to impact your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be obtained from the NHS. adhd diagnosis in adults is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England, you have the legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for a referral
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child may have ADHD. While they may not be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner, they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected your family and yourself. They will then refer you to a specialist for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have long waiting lists.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will take a review your symptoms and determine if they meet 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 it is necessary to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able access ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your doctor will recommend 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 not sure the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book a diagnostic assessment via video or phone call with most private companies. They will ask you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with information about any relevant medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will refer you to one. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to search for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They may also look into other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and they may cause more problems as you get older and confront more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about how someone suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.