This Is The How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD Case Study You'll Never Forget
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD are likely to seek out their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on your location the assessment could be free or you may be required to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with diagnosis for adhd is a difficult thing to do, 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 having a diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at the length of time the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they impact your daily 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 behavior issues).
We suggest you find an alternative GP if your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to request referrals, but it is worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will request you or your child for details about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, 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 look to see whether you or your child has had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centres that are able to conduct ADHD evaluations. You will have to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You will probably need to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your school or work records or talk with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as an infant. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine 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 specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now have proof that the opposite is true. diagnosing adhd can last well into adulthood and still have a significant impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, in the event that you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication on the NHS. The private doctor will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care arrangement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England you are legally entitled to select your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with an expert. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. They must then refer you an expert for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide advice on how to accelerate the process if you are on a long waiting lists.
After you've been referred, you will be given an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if you satisfy 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 may need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able get ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, 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 the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to select or if the NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide to help you do this.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they impact you and your daily routine. They might also request details of your medical background. They will also want to know if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed with time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not know a physician who will refer you to one. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to be diagnosed. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also take into account other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you get older and face more problems. This is especially true if you didn't get the right assistance as a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what people suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.