Why We Why We How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD (And You Should Also!)
How to Get adhd diagnosis in adults With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. You could experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your doctor
Doctors are often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free of charge or you may have to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child's trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will assess whether you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take a look at how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out a different one. It can be difficult to request a referral but it's worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed quickly once you have been recommended. GPs will ask for details of your or your child's symptoms. Then, 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 look to see whether you or your child has experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centres which can perform ADHD tests. You will need to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask for your school or job records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will assess your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your doctor how long you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to note that, when you're diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you think that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP, and can be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to a
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could have ADHD. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. They will then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. If they have a long waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed things up.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this appointment, the psychiatrist 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 might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also have to eliminate any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. get diagnosed with adhd will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your doctor will refer you for an NHS assessment or 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, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for the referral or call them directly. You can request an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private companies. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They may also request details about your medical history. They will also ask if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed with time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD.
You can schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist if don't know a GP that will refer you to one. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to get a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to look for more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, including depression and addiction disorders.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more difficulties. This is particularly the case if you did not receive the right support as an infant.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed when you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how people with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.