How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to employment. Due to shortages of medication there could be delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
GPs are often a first point of contact when people suspect they or their child could be suffering from ADHD. They can be attentive and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free, or you might have to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting adult diagnosis adhd with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and the diagnosis can help 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 suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. They will also take a look at how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out a different one. 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 consult your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 look to see whether you or your child have had these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires before your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment, if you are able to.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask to see your school or work documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as when you were a child. ADHD is more than just an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor what time you've been experiencing 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 continue to impact your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor, your medication will firstly come from the NHS. Private clinics will be able to assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care, which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to select your doctor and mental health team. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet 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. You can ask your GP for an appointment
Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. Although they won't be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected you and your family. They must then refer you an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to speed up the process if you are on a a lengthy waiting list.
After you've been identified, you will be given an appointment to see an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms and assess whether they fit 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 instances they may need to rule out other conditions before making their decision, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also have to eliminate any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD and they decide to write to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you can get ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medications and CBT is the most effective. However, every person is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you are unsure about the best choice for you or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, you can make use of alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Book an appointment with an expert
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or directly yourself. Most private providers will let you book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and information about any relevant medical history. They will also ask whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will recommend you to one. This may be a little more expensive, but it will give you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health issues that could affect 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. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you grow older and confront more problems. This is particularly true if you did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive the diagnosis, especially if you are from a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.