How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
The GP is often the first port of call for people who think that they or their child may have ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Based on the location of your home the assessment could be free of charge or you may have to pay a small fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand the reasons why you or your child might have trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who knows you. They will also consider how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We recommend that you find a new GP if your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should go quickly. GPs will ask for details about 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 check if your or your child has experienced similar symptoms before to be able to compare the information. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. 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. Private clinicians can assist you in this process and provide your GP documentation for a shared-care agreement so that you only pay the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England, you have the legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.
3. You can ask your GP for a referral
Speak with your GP If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They may not be able identify you as having ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting your family and you. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed things up.
Once you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. updated blog post is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if 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 instances, they might need to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you live in England it is 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 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're not sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could make use of alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it.
4. Request an assessment with an expert
There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly yourself. The majority of private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, and details of any relevant medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will refer you to one. diagnosis of adhd is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to be diagnosed. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that may impact your ability to focus for a long time, such as addiction or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not receive the appropriate support as in your early years.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.