How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
GPs are often a first point of contact for people who think that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They can take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free, or you might be required to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It is important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
resources will assess whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
We suggest you look for a new GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to request a referral however it's well worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred for an evaluation the process should go quickly. GPs will ask for specific details of your child's symptoms, and 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 determine if you or your child have suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You'll have to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You'll probably have to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may request your school or work records, or speak with your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as when you were a child. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and still have an impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that, when you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication through the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and is cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
Talk with your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD but they should be attentive to your concerns and inquire about how it has affected your family and you. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we provide tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
If you've been referred, you will be given an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will take a look at your symptoms and determine if 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 certain cases, they might have to rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They may also have to exclude any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they find that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medication and CBT is most efficient. But, everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you are a resident of 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 it applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure the best choice for you or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can use one of the alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of 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. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide details regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily life. They may also request details of your medical history. They will also want to know whether any family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for dealing with stress. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you exhibit the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who will refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis faster. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they will refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to look for more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more problems as you grow older and face more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without assessing you symptoms.