How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. There may be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Speak to your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD will often consult their doctor first. adhd diagnosis in adults uk can take your concerns very seriously and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the area you live in the assessment could be free or you may have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child might have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. They will also look at the length of time child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking a different one. It isn't easy to ask for a referral but it's worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The GP will ask you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a 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 verify if you or your child has experienced similar symptoms before and compare the information. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You will probably need to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and do them in advance of your appointment if possible.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or work records or talk with your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by a specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that, if you are diagnosed privately, you will initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment with an expert in your area. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and is a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
Talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD but they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed up this process.
If you've been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to be able to access medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and determine if they meet 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 cases they may need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a form to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medication and CBT is most effective. But, everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose', and it 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 offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can book a diagnostic assessment by phone or video with the majority of private providers. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and specific details about any medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will send you to a psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may impact your ability to focus for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more issues as you grow older and confront more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.