How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
GPs are often a first point of contact for people who think that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free of charge or you may have to pay a fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child's difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
adult adhd diagnosis will assess whether you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also take into consideration how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).
We recommend that you look for a new GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to ask for an appointment however it's well worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you have been referred. The doctor will ask you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist 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 has suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD assessments. You'll have to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of the current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as a child. It's important to remember that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor how long you have been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
If you're an adult or child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that in the event that you're diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care which will allow you to pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If diagnosis adhd in England you are legally entitled to select your doctor and mental health team. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with an expert. This is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Request your GP for an appointment
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. They should then refer you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to speed up the process if they have long waiting lists.
If you've been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only 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 to determine if you 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 have to rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your clinician can prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medication and CBT is the most efficient. But, everyone is different.
It is vital to know that if you reside in 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 it applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure which provider to choose or if NHS wait times are too long it is possible to choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which offers a great guide about how to do this.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
In the UK there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can request an assessment of diagnostics by phone or video with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also request information about your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will talk you through the assessment process. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest method to get a diagnosis. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to search for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more difficulties. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the right support as a child.
It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis if you're a member of a minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of the signs.