How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you think that you may have ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible for Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can take your concerns seriously and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free or you may have to pay a fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms aren't able to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child's difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out an alternative one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed quickly once you have been sent to a specialist. GPs will ask for details of your or your child's symptoms, and the specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and 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 your or your child has suffered from these symptoms previously to be able to compare information. This is important since only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to request for a referral from your GP. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may 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 current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as when you were 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 specialist will look at your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. However, we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and still have an impact on your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, if you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinics will be able to assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They will not be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. They should then refer you to a specialist to be assessed and treated. If they have a long waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed up this process.
After you have been directed to a psychiatrist you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. adhd uk diagnosis is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to obtain medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During this visit the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine 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 certain cases, they might need to rule out conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you'll be able to get ADHD medication through the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which provider to choose or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which offers a great guide to help you do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for the referral or call them directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination by phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily routine. They may also ask for information about your medical history. 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've changed with time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who will send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will get the diagnosis faster. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if needed.
A good psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have 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 consider other health conditions which can affect your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is especially the case if you did not receive the proper support when you were an infant.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly if you are from an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing your symptoms.