How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you think that you may be suffering from ADHD. They must take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD usually consult their GP first. They will take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on your location, this might be free or you may be required to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept the diagnosis of ADHD, especially if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or you may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also take into consideration 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 or your child's issues could be better explained by another condition (such as dyslexia, autism anxiety, or behavior issues).
We suggest that you find a new GP if your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get referrals but it's worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child to provide specific details regarding your symptoms. The doctor 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 want to verify if you or your child has had these symptoms before to be able to compare information. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centers which can perform ADHD tests. You will need to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment if possible.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult will evaluate your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It is also linked to the way that your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to look into other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and remain a part of your life.
If you're an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor then you'll initially receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you in this and will provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're located in England you are legally entitled to choose your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and is a more cost-effective option too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD the first step to do is speak to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed up this process.
Once you have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will assess 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 have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they find that you have ADHD, they will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people are able to determine that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem excessive, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services, or contact them directly yourself. Most private providers will allow you to book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and information about any relevant medical history. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from 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 strategies. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
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 a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist can determine pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper support as a young person.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis when you're a minority or a gender non-conforming individual. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what people suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior, without assessing you symptoms.