How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, talk to your GP. They should consider your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. There may be adhd diagnosis uk adults in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk with your doctor
GPs are often a first port of call for people who think that they or their child might be suffering from ADHD. They will be very attentive to your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in the assessment could be free or you could have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focus or executing impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD by observing, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out another one. It isn't easy to request an appointment but it's worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
The assessment process must be completed quickly once you have been sent to a specialist. The doctor will request details about your child's symptoms, and the specialist should carry out 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 determine if you or your child has had similar symptoms before, so they can compare information. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You'll probably have to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete so try and complete them before your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also related to the way in which 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, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and continue to impact your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first come from the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England you have a legal right to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and is an economical alternative too.
3. Have your GP to refer you
Talk with your GP If you think you or your child may have ADHD. While they may not be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD formally but they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected you and your family. They must then refer you a specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed this up.
After you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and determine if 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 such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also have to exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they decide that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork 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 renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
If you live in England it is important to know that you have the legal right to choose the provider your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to choose or if NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Request an assessment with an expert
There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services or directly. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private providers. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with details of any relevant medical background. They will also want to know whether any family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for coping. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis faster. If needed, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to search for more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or speaking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health issues that could impact your ability to focus for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
It can be challenging to get a diagnosis when you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions of what people with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.