What's The Reason Nobody Is Interested In How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you believe that you may have 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 could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
Doctors are often the first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns very seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free or you may have to pay a small fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially if your symptoms don't seem to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD through observations 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 daily life. adhd adults diagnosis uk will also consider whether your or your child's issues could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We recommend that you try to find a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to ask for a referral, but it is worth it. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment, the process should move quickly. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms. Then, 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 check if you or your child experienced these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to carry out ADHD evaluations. You will have to consult your GP to refer you to one of these. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behaviour problem it's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you are an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but nowadays, we know more. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, when you are diagnosed privately, you will initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're located in England, you have the legal right to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with an expert. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. While they may not be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner however, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and yourself. They will then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. If they have a long waiting list, there is advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed things up.
If you've been diagnosed, you will be given an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical 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, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if 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, they might need to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They may also need to rule out any substance or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose,' and it applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which one to choose or if NHS wait times seem excessive it is possible to choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for an appointment with these services, or contact them directly yourself. Most private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with specific details about any medical history. They will also want to know whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will talk 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 ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will recommend you to one. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. If needed, your psychiatrist will refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can find more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other health conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction disorders or depression.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more problems as you get older and encounter more problems. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.
Sometimes it can be difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially if you are from an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how people with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.