How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They will be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in obtaining diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD will often consult their doctor first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you may be required to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may struggle to stay focused or acting upon impulses.
adult diagnosis of adhd will assess whether you or your child has ADHD by observing as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long your the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We suggest you try to find an alternative GP if your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. The GP will inquire with you or your child to provide details about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, 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 look to see if you or your child has suffered from these issues in the past, so they can compare. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD evaluations. You will need to request your GP to refer you to one of these. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment if you can.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask to see your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to look into other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. The private clinician can assist you in this process and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to select your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you think that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could book an online appointment with a specialist. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP, and can be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD, the first thing to do is speak to your GP. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. They must then refer you a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On get diagnosed with adhd on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have advice on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
Once you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will take a examine your symptoms and determine if they are in line with 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 might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also need to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to access 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 most efficient. But, everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you live in 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 the right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can make use of alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for the referral or directly yourself. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private companies. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and information about any relevant medical history. They will also want to know whether any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you have the symptoms of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always get one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest method to be diagnosed. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment, if needed.
A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also take into account other health conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they may cause more problems as you grow older and face more challenges. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a young person.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis if you're a member of the minority group or are a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions about what people with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.