How to Get Diagnosed 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 must take your concerns seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could 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 medication shortages.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can be attentive and recommend you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free of charge, or you may be required to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why you or your child may have trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long your or child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also determine whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get an alternative one. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for a referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed quickly once you've been recommended. GPs will ask for specific details of 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 whether you or your child has experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD is only made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD tests. You'll need to request for an appointment from your GP. You'll probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior it's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your overall performance and may decide 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 suffering from 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 they'll still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be given medication, whether you are an adult or not. It is important to note that, if you are diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you have the legal right to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you
Speak with your GP If you think you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They will not be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed up this process.
Once you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to obtain medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
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 certain cases it is necessary to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a decision, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that your GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT is the most effective. However, everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is important to know that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to pick or if NHS wait times seem excessive you can select one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for the referral or directly yourself. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private companies. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and information about any relevant medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk you through the assessment process. adhd adults diagnosis 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. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is because the majority of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you grow older and face more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a child.
Sometimes it can be difficult to get an diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of your symptoms.