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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They should be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment. You could be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. You could experience delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to shortages of medications. 1. Talk to your GP GPs are often a first point of contact for people who think that they or their child may have ADHD. They can be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where adhd diagnosis adult uk live it could be free or you may have pay a small amount. You can find more information on the NHS website. It can be difficult to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly when your symptoms aren't able to be taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand why your child or yourself may have difficulty staying focus or executing 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 consider how long the symptoms of ADHD have been present in your child or yourself and how they affect your life. They will also look at whether your your child's symptoms could be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or other behaviour issues). We suggest that you look for a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't treat ADHD seriously. This can be difficult and it's a good idea to ask for an appointment with. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP. After you've been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will ask you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will then 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. They will also check whether you or your child experienced these symptoms previously so that they can compare. This is crucial as the diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist. 2. Schedule an appointment with a specialist There are many NHS specialist centers that are able to carry out ADHD evaluations. You will need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will likely need to fill out some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. These can take a while to fill out, so try to complete them prior to your appointment, if you are able to. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents, or daycare providers about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It's also connected to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. If you're an adult, you'll be asked by a specialist what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on your life. Whether you are an adult or a child you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. You should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. The private doctor can assist you in this process and provide your GP documents to sign a shared-care agreement, so that you only pay the NHS prescription fee. In England, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you think that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to going through your GP. 3. You can ask your GP for an appointment Speak to your GP If you think you or your child might have ADHD. Although they aren't in a position to diagnose you with ADHD in a formal manner but they will be able to take your concerns seriously. They will ask how it has affected your family and yourself. They will then refer you to an expert to be assessed and treated. If they are on a long waiting list, there is information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed this up. After you've been referred and accepted, you will receive an appointment with psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from psychiatrists is the only method to get access to medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support. During the appointment, a psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether they satisfy 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 have to rule out other conditions such as anxiety or depression before making a decision. They might also have to exclude any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it. If they decide that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP to sign an Shared Care Agreement. This means that you'll be able to access ADHD medication through the NHS from your doctor. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most efficient, but every person is different. If you reside in England and are a resident of England, it's worth knowing that you are legally entitled to choose the provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose', and it applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure of which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can find out who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how to do it. 4. Book an assessment with an expert In the UK, there are many specialists who can offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP for a referral to these or directly yourself. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination via phone or video with most private providers. You will be asked to provide details about your symptoms, how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also ask for information about your medical history. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD. Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about how your issues have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms. You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you don't know a GP that will refer you to one. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to be diagnosed. If necessary, your psychiatrist may refer you to the NHS for further treatment. A good psychiatrist can tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they'll be able to find additional evidence that is more convincing by asking you questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate, such as depression or an addiction disorder. The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only manifest in adults and cause more problems as you age and face more challenges. This is especially true if you did not receive the right support when you were an infant. It can be difficult to receive 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 an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing you symptoms.