Why Nobody Cares About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD

How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. Due to medication shortages and delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the 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 refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you may have to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also 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 you're symptoms can be explained better by a different disorder (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get a different one. This can be difficult, but it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed in a short time after you've been sent to a specialist. adhd diagnosis in adults will ask for details of your or your child's symptoms. 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 has had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Book an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will probably need to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them prior to your appointment if you can.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They might ask for your work or school documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as when you were a child. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It is also linked to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into 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 affecting you. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood and 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. Be aware that when you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians is likely to be able assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign a shared care agreement to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment with a specialist in your area. This is a quicker and less expensive alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor
If you think you or your child may have ADHD the first thing to do is to speak to your GP. Although they aren't in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way however, they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed things up.
If you've been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to obtain medication through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine 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 certain cases, they might have to rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They may also have to eliminate any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send a form to your GP to obtain a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can receive ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different.
If you reside in England it is important to know 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 the "Right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure which provider to pick or if NHS wait times are too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to use it.
4. Request an assessment with an expert
In the UK there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly. Most private providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, and how they impact your life and daily activities. They might also request details of your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. 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 suffer from ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a GP who will refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It is more expensive but you will receive the diagnosis quicker. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if needed.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also take into account other health conditions that may impact your ability to focus like depression or an addiction disorder.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. It is because the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is particularly relevant if you didn't receive the appropriate support when you were a child.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.