How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD: A Simple Definition
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location the assessment could be free of charge, or you might have to pay a small fee. 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 keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or yourself might have trouble staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who knows you. They will also take a look at the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We recommend that you look for an alternative GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for a referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 verify if you or your child has suffered from these symptoms before, so they can examine the data. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers which can conduct ADHD assessments. You'll have to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably have to fill out a few questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may request your work or school records or talk with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as an infant. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem It's also related to the way your brain works. Your specialist will look at your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
You will be given medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to note that, if you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England you are legally entitled to select your mental health team and healthcare provider. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with an expert in your area. This is a quicker and less expensive alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting your family and you. They must then refer you an expert to be assessed and treated. If they are on a long waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed this up.
After you've been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they meet the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some cases, they might need to exclude other conditions prior to making a choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule out any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can access ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP 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 are unsure about which one to go with or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how you can do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they impact you and your daily routine. They may also want to know details about your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for dealing with stress. Iampsychiatry will analyze this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always get one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however, it will give you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They may also look into other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more issues as you age and face more problems. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the proper assistance as in your early years.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis when you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.