How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications and delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD will often consult their GP first. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Based on the location of your home the assessment could be free of charge or you may be required to pay a small fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
adhd uk diagnosis isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or yourself may struggle to stay focused or responding to 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 ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out another one. It can be a challenge, but it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
Once you have been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist will 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 check if you or your child has suffered from these issues in the past, so they can compare. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centres that can conduct ADHD tests. You will have to request your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than just an issue with your behavior. It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to check for other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you in this and will provide your GP documentation for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your region. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They will not be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD however they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, they can find information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed things up.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they are in line with 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 need to rule out other conditions before making a choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the provider your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure of which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long you can select 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 use it.
4. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for the referral or call them directly. The majority of private providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also ask for details about your 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 assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they have changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It is more expensive however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if required.
A competent psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They may also look into other health conditions which can affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they may cause more issues as you get older and confront more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a child.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis in the event that you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions of what an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without assessing you symptoms.