An Intermediate Guide On How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You could experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Speak to your doctor
The GP is often the first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child may have ADHD. They will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you may have to pay. More details are available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD especially if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long your or your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
We suggest you look for an alternative GP If your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. 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.
After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will request details of your or 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 have had these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD is only done by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask to see your school or work documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your specialist will look at your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor how long you have been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will continue to impact your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. diagnosis for adhd should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to help you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England you have a legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed up this process.
After you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During look at these guys will take a look at 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, they might require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you will be able get ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could use one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination via video or phone call with most private companies. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as details of any relevant medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will use this information to assess whether or not you exhibit the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis faster. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also consider other health conditions that can impact your ability to focus for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is especially true if you didn't receive the proper support as a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive 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 with ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.