20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD usually consult their GP first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location, this might be free or you may have pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms aren't able to be taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or yourself may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing or discussions that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who knows you. They will also take into consideration how long the ADHD-related issues have been present in your child or you and how they affect your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out an alternative one. It can be difficult to request an appointment, but it is worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you talk to your GP.
The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you've been recommended. The doctor will inquire with you or your child to provide specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 look to see if you or your child have experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are several NHS specialist centers that are able to carry out ADHD assessments. You will need to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely need to fill out a few questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask for your work or school records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior it's also connected to the way your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD only affects children but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and they will remain a significant influence on your life.
If you're an adult or child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that when you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be obtained from the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
If you're in England you are legally entitled to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can make an appointment online with an expert. This can be a faster and more cost-effective alternative to seeing your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for a referral
Talk to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. They will not be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD however they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has affected you and your family. They should then refer you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there is guidance on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed things up.
After you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to obtain medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine 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 need to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. diagnosing adhd in adults may also need to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can get ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medication and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of 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 are unsure about the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could make use of alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can discover which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which provides a helpful guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination via video or phone call with the majority of private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They may also want to know information about your medical background. They will also want to know whether any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest method to be diagnosed. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to find more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health issues that could impact your ability to focus, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more difficulties. This is particularly true if you did not receive the proper assistance as an infant.
Sometimes it's difficult to get a diagnosis, particularly if you are from an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without fully assessing the severity of the signs.