The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD

How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to work. Due to the shortage of medications, you could experience delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
Doctors are often the first point of contact for people who think that they or their child could have ADHD. They will take your concerns seriously and recommend you to an expert to conduct an assessment. Depending on where you live the assessment could be free, or you might have to pay. Find more details on the NHS website.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD through observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and any other people who know you. They will also look at how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your daily life. They will also look at whether your your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get a different one. It can be difficult to ask for referrals however it's well worth it. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you consult your GP.
If you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. Doctors will want to know the details of your or your child's symptoms. 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 has had these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll have to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may ask to see your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as an infant. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It's also connected to the way in which your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your overall functioning and may want 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. But we now are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and they will continue to have a significant impact on your life.
No matter if you're an adult or child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, if you are diagnosed privately and you are a private patient, you will receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician is likely to be able 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 charge.
If adult diagnosis adhd located in England, you have the legal right to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can book an online appointment with a specialist. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP for a referral
Speak with your GP If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD. While they may not be in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner, they will consider your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected you and your family. Then they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page about how to speed things up.
Once you have been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with a psychiatrist for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will take a examine your symptoms and determine whether they fit 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 rule out other conditions before making a decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also have to exclude any alcohol or drug abuse.
If they find that you have ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with a request to sign a 'Shared-Care Agreement'. This means that your GP will be able to prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is most effective, but everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you live in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your GP will refer you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you are unsure about which one to go with, or if you think the NHS waiting times are too long, then you can use one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to use it.
4. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are numerous specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can book an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, and how they affect your life and daily activities. They might also request details of your medical background. They will also want to know whether any family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss your symptoms and how they've 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 have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one on your own by making an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest method to get a diagnosis. Your doctor can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required.
A competent psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health issues that could impact your ability to focus, such as addiction or depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is because the majority of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they can cause more issues as you grow older and encounter more challenges. This is particularly true if you did not get the right 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 may have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly taking note of your symptoms.