How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Consult your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD will often seek out their doctor first. They will be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free of charge or you may be required to pay a small 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 taken seriously. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child may have trouble staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also take a look at how long your or child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own 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 suggest seeking another one. It can be difficult to request referrals but it's worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you've been recommended. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a 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 check whether you or your child has suffered from these issues in the past, so they can compare. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centres that can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment if possible.
Your physician will assess your symptoms within the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may request your work or school records or talk with your parents, teachers or day care providers about your experiences as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will look at your overall functioning and may want to assess other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, your doctor will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood, and they'll continue to have a significant impact on your life.
You will be given medication, regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to note that, in the event that you're diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're in England, you have the legal right to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster route than going through your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you think you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They may not be able formally diagnose you with ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there is information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed this up.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medication on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if you meet the ADHD criteria. 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 such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also need to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out.
If adhd diagnosis adults find that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to obtain the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your clinician can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people are able to determine that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure the best choice for you, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for the referral, or contact them directly. Most private providers allow you to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, as well as details of any relevant medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the assessment process. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will recommend you to one. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis faster. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell very 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 consider other health conditions which can hinder your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more issues as you age and confront more challenges. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the appropriate support when you were an infant.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed in the event that you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.