Ten Things Your Competitors Teach You About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

If you suspect ADHD, talk to your GP. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.

You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to work. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications.

1. Talk to your GP

People who suspect that they or a child might have ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can be attentive and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free or you could be required to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.

A specialist will assess whether you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing as well as discussions and questionnaires with you, your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider the length of time the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your child's or you're symptoms are more easily explained by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).

We recommend that you look for a new GP If your current one doesn't treat ADHD seriously. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you talk to your GP.

After you've been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The doctor will inquire with you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 determine if you or your child had these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This will be important as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.

2. Request an assessment with an expert

There are a number of NHS specialization centers that are able to carry out ADHD tests. You'll have to request your GP to refer you to one of these. You'll likely have to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.

Your specialist will examine your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may ask for your work or school records, or talk with your parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. It's important to remember that ADHD is not only a problem with behavior It's also related to the way your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the entire picture of how you're functioning, and may want to look into other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

If you're an adult, your physician will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now we are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.

You will be offered medication, regardless of whether you're an adult child or not. It is important to note that when you're diagnosed privately, you will initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinicians will be able to assist you with this and provide your GP documents for a shared-care arrangement so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee.

If you're located in England you have a legal right to select your doctor and mental health team. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and could be a more cost-effective option too.


3. Ask Going On this site to refer you to your doctor

Speak to your GP If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD. While they may not be in the position to diagnose you with ADHD formally however, they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask you how it has affected your family and you. They must then refer you an expert for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, they can find guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed this up.

Once you have been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see an Psychologist to be assessed and diagnosed. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medications through the NHS and to be eligible for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.

During this appointment, the psychiatrist will review 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 some cases they may have to rule out other conditions such as depression or anxiety before making a final decision. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.

If they find that you have ADHD they will write to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your clinician will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix of medications and CBT is most efficient. However, every person is different.

It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the service 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 adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long it is possible to choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It offers a step-by-step guide on how you can do it.

4. Book an assessment with an expert

There are numerous specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly yourself. You can request a diagnostic assessment via video or phone call with most private providers. You will be asked to provide information regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily life. They may also want to know information about your medical background. They will want to know whether 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 with time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you have symptoms of ADHD.

If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment, if needed.

A good psychiatrist can determine very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to search for more corroborative evidence by asking you questions or speaking to people who know you well. They will also take into account other health conditions that can affect your ability to concentrate, such as addiction disorders or depression.

The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms manifest in adults and cause more issues as you age and face more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not get the right support as a young person.

It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in the event that you're an ethnic minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD appears like and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.