How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first port of call when people suspect they or their child could have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Based on the location of your home, this might 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 the diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms aren't able to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that about 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons 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 based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get a different one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for a referral. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you've been recommended. Doctors will want to know the 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 look to see whether you or your child experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
2. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centres that can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You will probably need to fill out some questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should try to complete them before your appointment, if you are able to.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They may ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way in which your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now diagnosis for adhd know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and still have a significant impact on your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It's worth noting that if you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication on the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help 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 fee.
In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is speak to your GP. Although they won't be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way but they will take your concerns seriously. They will ask you about how it has affected you and your family. They must then refer you an expert to be assessed and treated. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we offer tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have a lengthy waiting list.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they 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 it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making their decision, such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also need to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can get ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people prefer a mix of medication and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different.
If you live in England it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose', and it applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can make use of alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide about how to do this.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for the referral, or contact them directly. You can book an assessment of diagnostics via video or phone call with most private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, and how they affect your life and daily activities. They may also request details about your medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as 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 refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one yourself by booking an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate like addiction or depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more problems as you get older and face more challenges. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the right support when you were in your early years.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed if you're a member of a minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions of what people with ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without analysing your symptoms.