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 seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to medication shortages, you could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Speak with your doctor
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They will be attentive and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live, this might be free of charge or you may be required to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Getting click through the next internet site with ADHD can be distressing, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or you may struggle to stay focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and any other people who know you. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your child's or your symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking a different one. It can be a challenge and it's a good idea to ask for an appointment with. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
If you've been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will request you or your child for details about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and a 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 experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
There are a number of NHS specialist centres that can carry out ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You will likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They can take a long time to fill out, so try to do them in advance of your appointment if you can.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also wish to assess you for other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. Historically there has been a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and remain a part of your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to 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 fee.
In England the UK, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. So, if you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make a private appointment online with a specialist in your region. This is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is talk to your GP. Although they won't be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal way, they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and yourself. They will then refer you to a specialist for assessment and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to speed up the process if you are on a long waiting lists.
If you've been identified, you will be given an appointment with psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole way to access medication through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine whether they fit 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 they may have to rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also need to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can get ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medications and CBT is most effective. However, every person is different.
It is vital to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider to whom your GP will recommend 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 one to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it.
4. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video call. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with information about any relevant medical background. They will want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. They will also inquire 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 doctor who is willing to 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 get the diagnosis faster. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to look for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.
Most people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults, not children. This is because the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more issues 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.
Sometimes it's difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially when you belong to an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing your symptoms.