12 Facts About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD To Make You Think Smarter About Other People
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They must take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to the shortage of medications there could be delays in receiving diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually seek out their doctor first. They will be attentive and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the area you live in, it may be free, or you might have to pay a fee. More details can be found on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that around 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child might have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether 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 consider how long your or child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how much they impact your daily life. They will also look at whether your or your child's symptoms might be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get another one. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment the process should be completed quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The doctor will 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. adhd diagnoses should also check if your or your child has had these symptoms before and compare information. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Make an appointment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialization centers that can carry out ADHD evaluations. You'll have to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You will likely need to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your specialist will examine your symptoms in the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adult patients. They may request your school or job records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than a behavior problem. It's also related to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will look at your general functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your doctor what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But we now have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can persist well into adulthood, and will remain a part of your life.
If you're an adult or child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately and you're prescribed medication, it will first be provided by the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and usually provide your GP with the necessary paperwork to sign an agreement on shared care, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
If you're in England, you have a legal right to choose your health care provider and mental health team. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can book an online appointment with an expert. This can be a faster and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you to a
Talk to your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they'll refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there is information on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed up this process.
After you've been diagnosed and accepted, you will receive an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they meet the ADHD criteria. 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 need to rule out any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medication and CBT is the most efficient. However, everyone is different.
It is important to know that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you are unsure about the best choice for you or think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which provides a helpful guide on how to do this.
4. Book an appointment with a specialist
There are many specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can ask your GP for a referral to these, or contact them directly yourself. The majority of private providers allow you to schedule a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, as well as information about any relevant medical history. They will also want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist can guide you through the process of assessment. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping mechanisms. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.
If you don't have a GP who is willing to refer you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will get the diagnosis more quickly. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have doubts, they'll be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing 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 for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more issues as you grow older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if you did not receive the appropriate support when you were a child.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis when you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what people with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior, without analysing your symptoms.