This Is A How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD Success Story You'll Never Believe How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

If you suspect you have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and suggest an NHS ADHD assessment.

You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis or beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.

1. Talk to your doctor

If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD will often seek out their doctor first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on the area you live in it could be free or you could have to pay a fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.

It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD especially when your symptoms don't appear to be considered serious. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and the diagnosis can help to understand why your or your child may have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.

A specialist will determine whether your child or you suffers from ADHD through observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children, and anyone else who knows you. They will also look at how long your the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they affect your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms might be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).

If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking out another one. It isn't easy to get an appointment however it's well worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.

The process of assessment should be completed swiftly after you've been recommended. GPs will ask for specific details of your child's symptoms. Then, 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 whether you or your child have experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.

2. Book an appointment with an expert

There are a number of NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD assessments. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's best to do them before your appointment.

Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your school or job records, or speak with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a behavior issue - it is also related to the way your brain works. Your doctor will examine your overall performance and may decide to examine other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

If you're an adult, you will be asked by a specialist how long you have been suffering from ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and still have an impact on 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 privately the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and will usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign a shared care agreement so that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.

If you're located in England, you are legally entitled to choose your doctor and mental health team. If you decide that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can make an appointment on the internet with a specialist in your area. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP.


3. Ask your GP to refer you

If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is to speak to your GP. While they may not be in a position to identify you with ADHD in a formal way but they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and yourself. They should then refer you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to accelerate the process in case they have an extensive waiting list.

Once you have been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to be able to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.

During the appointment the psychiatrist will take a look at your symptoms and determine 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 some cases they may require a diagnosis such as depression or anxiety before making a decision. They might also have to rule out any drug or alcohol addiction out.

If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that you can receive ADHD medication on the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, however everyone is different.

If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is called 'Right to Choose which applies to both adults and children. If you aren't sure which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that conduct 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. Request adhd diagnosis in adults with a specialist

There are numerous specialization services that provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly yourself. You can request a diagnostic assessment via video or phone call with most private companies. They will ask you to provide some information about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life, along with details of any relevant medical background. They will also want to know whether any of your family members have ADHD.

Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.

If you don't have a physician who is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment, you can always find one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.

A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they'll be able to find more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or talking to those who know you well. They'll also take into consideration other health issues that could hinder your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.

The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. It is because the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more issues as you get older and face more challenges. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper assistance as a child.

It can be challenging to get a diagnosis in the event that you're a minority or an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what someone suffering from ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.