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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your GP. They will consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment. You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to a shortage of medication. 1. Talk to your GP If you suspect that you or a child may have ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They will be attentive and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on your location, this might be free or you might have pay a small amount. You can find more information on the NHS website. It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be taken seriously. It's important to keep in mind that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or you may struggle to stay focused or acting upon impulses. A specialist will assess whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. They will also consider whether your child's or you're symptoms are better explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety). We suggest that you look for a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. It isn't easy to get referrals but it's worth it. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP. The assessment process must be completed quickly once you have been recommended. The doctor will request specific details of your child's symptoms. Then, 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 should also verify if you or your child has experienced these symptoms before, so they can compare the information. This will be important as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist. 2. Schedule an appointment with an expert There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete, so you should try to complete them prior to your appointment if you can. Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They might ask for your school or work documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about how you were as a child. It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior – it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues, like anxiety or depression. If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor what time you've been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now we know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on your life. If you're an adult or a child, you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It's worth noting that if you're diagnosed by a private doctor, you will initially receive your medication on the NHS. Private clinics is likely to be able assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge. If you're in England, you have the legal right to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be an economical alternative too. 3. You can ask your GP for a referral If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting you and your family. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page about how to speed up this process. Once you have been identified and accepted, you will receive an appointment to see an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA. During this visit the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine 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 such as anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol addiction out. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with a form for a 'Shared Care Contract'. This means that you can get ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT therapy is most efficient, but every person is different. If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you are legally entitled to choose which provider your GP recommends to you for an NHS assessment and 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 are too long, you can choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how you can do it. 4. Request an assessment with a specialist In the UK there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. The majority of private providers will allow you to 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 affect you and your daily life. adhd adult diagnosis iampsychiatry.com might also ask for details about your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD. Your psychiatrist will guide about the assessment process. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also inquire about your childhood experiences as well as your coping mechanisms. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. If you don't have a GP who is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required. A good psychiatrist can determine fairly quickly if you have ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to search for more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also consider other health issues that could impact your ability to focus like depression or an addiction disorder. The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms occur in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more difficulties. This is especially the case if you did not receive the proper support when you were a child. It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis in the event that you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD is like and make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of the signs.