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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 recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free or you might have to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child might have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you 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 how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking an alternative one. It isn't easy to request an appointment, but it is worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed quickly once you've been recommended. GPs will ask for details of your or 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 whether you or your child have experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD is only done by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD tests. You will have to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as a child. 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 be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to check for other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, your medication will firstly come from the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you with this and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health team and healthcare provider. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment online with a specialist. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. Although they aren't in a position to identify you with ADHD formally but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide advice on how to accelerate the process if they have a lengthy waiting list.
Once you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During adhd diagnose Iam Psychiatry will examine your symptoms and determine whether they are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some instances they may need to rule out other conditions before making their decision, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can access ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medication and CBT is the most effective. However, everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose which provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination via video or phone call with most private companies. You will be asked to give 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 want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a doctor who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty 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 your situation. They will also consider other health conditions which can hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the right assistance as a child.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in the event that you're a minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about what someone with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.