Ten Things Your Competitors Learn About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD

How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They should be attentive and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.
adhd adults diagnosis uk may also qualify to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an expert for a diagnosis. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you may be required to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child might have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also take a look at the length of time your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also determine whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get an alternative one. It isn't easy to get a referral however it's well worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed quickly once you have been recommended. GPs will ask for details about 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 if you or your child have had these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about the way you behaved as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't only a problem with behavior - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning, and may want to look into other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by your specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and remain a part of your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. 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. The private clinician is likely to be able assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.
In England you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you feel that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This is often a quicker route than going through your GP and could be an economical alternative too.
3. You can ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. They won't be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected your family and you. They must then refer you an expert to be assessed and treated. If they have a long waiting list, there's guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed up this process.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During this visit the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and assess whether they meet the criteria for ADHD. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In certain cases, they might require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also need to eliminate any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a form to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that you will be able get ADHD medication on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the service to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the "Right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're not sure which provider to choose or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can make use of alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily life. They might also request details about your medical background. They will also want to know whether any family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about your symptoms 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 have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always get one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis faster. Your psychiatrist will be able to refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to search for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They may also look into other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they may cause more issues as you age and face more challenges. This is particularly the case if you did not receive the appropriate support as in your early years.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to a minority group or are gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.