How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK<br /><br />If you suspect that you may have ADHD Talk to your GP. They should take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.<br /><br />You could also be eligible for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.<br /><br />1. Talk to your GP<br /><br />GPs are often a first point of contact for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and send you to an expert for a diagnosis. Based on the location of your home the assessment could be free or you might have to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.<br /><br />It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD, especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.<br /><br />A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your own symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).<br /><br /><br /><br />We recommend that you look for an alternative GP If your current one does not treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.<br /><br />The assessment process should be completed swiftly after you've been recommended. GPs will ask for 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 has had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.<br /><br />2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist<br /><br />There are several NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You will probably need to fill out a few forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take a long time to complete so try and complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to.<br /><br />Your physician will assess your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will examine your general functioning and may also want to examine other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.<br /><br />If you're an adult, your doctor will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and remain a part of your life.<br /><br />You will be offered medication regardless of whether you're an adult or not. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be provided by the NHS. The private clinician can assist you with this and provide your GP documents for a shared-care agreement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.<br /><br />In England you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you think that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment online with an expert. This could be a quicker and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.<br /><br />3. Request your GP for an appointment<br /><br />If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. They must then refer you an expert for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed this up.<br /><br />Once you have been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.<br /><br />During <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">adult diagnosis adhd</a> will review your symptoms and determine if they are in line with the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some cases it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making a decision, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also have to rule out any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.<br /><br />If they determine that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can get ADHD medication on 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 efficient, however everyone is different.<br /><br />If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose which provider your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose', and it applies to adults as well as children. If you are unsure about which provider to choose, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could use one of the alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which has a very helpful guide to help you do this.<br /><br />4. Book an appointment with an expert<br /><br />There are many specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. They will ask you to provide information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, and specific details about any medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.<br /><br />Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the assessment process. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for dealing with stress. They will use this information to assess whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />If you don't have a doctor who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to receive a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.<br /><br />A competent psychiatrist will be able to determine fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.<br /><br />Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more challenges. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper assistance as a child.<br /><br />It can be challenging to get a diagnosis in the event that you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what an individual with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.<br /><br />