How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free or you could have to pay. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and having a diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child might have difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your your child's symptoms could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get a different one. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for a referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The GP will ask you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 you or your child have experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD assessments. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask to see your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as a child. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem it's also connected to the way your brain works. Your specialist will look at your overall functioning and may want to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and they will still have a significant impact on your life.
You will be offered medication, whether you are an adult child or not. It is important to note that in the event that you're diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private doctor can assist you in this and will provide your GP documentation for a shared-care arrangement so that you only pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health care team and healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This could be a quicker and less expensive alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. 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 been affecting your family and you. They should then refer you to an expert for evaluation and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to speed up the process if they have an extensive waiting list.
If you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine whether 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 certain cases, they might require a diagnosis such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medication and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.
It is vital to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will recommend 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're unsure of which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or directly yourself. Most private providers will allow you to book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. similar web site will be asked to give details about your symptoms, and how they impact you and your daily routine. They might also ask for details of your medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can 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 and your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more difficulties. This is especially true if you did not receive the right support as an infant.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis if you're a member of a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. adhd diagnostic have preconceived notions about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.