How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD A Simple Definition

How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They will take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. You may experience delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD are likely to consult their doctor first. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to a specialist for an assessment. Based on the location of your home it could be free of charge, or you may be required pay a small amount. More information is available on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly if you don't feel like your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why your child or you might have trouble staying focused or acting upon impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD Based on their observations, discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out an alternative one. It isn't easy to get a referral, but it is worth it. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to help you talk to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you have been recommended. The GP will request you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, a 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 should also determine if you or your child has had these symptoms previously, so they can compare information. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD is only confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Make an appointment with an expert
There are several NHS specialist centres that can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll probably need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may request your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers or day care providers about the way you behaved as an infant. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your overall functioning and may want to examine other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your physician will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In I Am Psychiatry , there was a belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and will continue to impact 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 know that if you're diagnosed privately, your medication will firstly be obtained from the NHS. Private clinics 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 cost.
In England, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health care team and healthcare provider. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be an economical alternative too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
If you think you or your child might have ADHD the first thing to do is speak to your GP. They will not be able to officially diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. Then they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed things up.
If you've been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see psychiatrists to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only way to access medications through the NHS and also to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During this appointment the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and assess whether 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 certain cases, they might need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making a decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will submit paperwork to your GP for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medication and CBT is most efficient. However, everyone is different.
If you reside in England it is worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the "Right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to use it.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
In the UK, there are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. Most private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they affect your life and daily activities. They might also want to know details of your medical history. They will be looking to find out if any of your family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the assessment process. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms.
You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if do not have a doctor who will refer you to one. This is slightly more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A qualified psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to look for more evidence to support it by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They may also look into other medical conditions that may affect your ability to concentrate, such as depression and addiction disorders.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more problems as you get older and face more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the right support when you were a child.
It can be challenging to receive a diagnosis if you're a member of an ethnic minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions about how an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.