How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK<br /><br />If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They must be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.<br /><br />You may also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which will help you gain access to work. Due to medication shortages there could be delays in obtaining an appointment and beginning treatment.<br /><br />1. Talk to your doctor<br /><br />People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD will often seek out their doctor first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Depending on your location it could be free or you might have to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website.<br /><br />Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focus or executing impulses.<br /><br />A specialist will determine if 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 look at how long your or your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as anxiety or dyslexia).<br /><br />We suggest you look for a new GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.<br /><br />After you've been referred for an evaluation the process should be completed quickly. Doctors will want to know the details about your child's symptoms, and 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 has experienced these symptoms in the past so they can compare. This is important since the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.<br /><br />2. Book an appointment with a specialist<br /><br />There are several NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll probably need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is best to do them before your appointment.<br /><br />Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your parents, teachers or day care providers about how you were as a child. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.<br /><br /><br /><br />If you are an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on your life.<br /><br />If you're an adult or a child you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, if you're diagnosed privately then you'll initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. The private doctor will be able to assist you in this process and provide your GP documentation to sign a shared-care agreement, so that you only pay the NHS prescription cost.<br /><br />If you're in England you are legally entitled to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be cheaper too.<br /><br />3. Ask your GP for a referral<br /><br />Speak to your GP If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. They will not be able to formally 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 a specialist to be assessed and treated. On our page Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process if they have an extensive waiting list.<br /><br />After you've been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.<br /><br />During <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/private-adhd-assessment">I Am Psychiatry</a> , the psychiatrist will examine 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 instances, they might require a diagnosis such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol use out.<br /><br />If they decide that you have ADHD and they decide to send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication on the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, however everyone is different.<br /><br />It is important to know that if you are a resident of England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you are unsure about which provider to choose, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones to choose by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide to help you do this.<br /><br />4. Schedule an appointment with an expert<br /><br />There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for the referral or call them directly. Most private healthcare providers will allow you to book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with information about any relevant medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.<br /><br />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 ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />If you don't have a physician who will recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to get a diagnosis. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.<br /><br />A qualified psychiatrist will be able to determine very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.<br /><br />The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as adults not as children. It is because the majority of symptoms only occur in adults and cause more issues as you get older and face more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not receive the appropriate support when you were a child.<br /><br />Sometimes it is difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially if you are from an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.<br /><br />