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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK Consult your doctor if you suspect that you might have ADHD. They should consider your concerns seriously and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment. You could be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to the shortage of medications there could be delays in obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment. 1. Talk to your GP People who suspect that they or a child might suffer from ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free of charge or you may be required to pay a small fee. Find more details on the NHS website. Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being taken seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand the reasons why your child or you may have difficulty staying focus or executing impulses. A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations, discussions, and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows you. They will also consider how long your child's ADHD-related issues have been present and how they impact your life. They will also consider whether your child's or your own symptoms are better explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia or anxiety). If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking another one. It can be difficult to request an appointment, but it is worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can print and download to assist you talk to your GP. The process of assessment should be completed in a short time after you have been recommended. The GP will request you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The specialist will then 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 want to determine if you or your child has suffered from these symptoms before and examine the data. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD is only made by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. 2. Request an assessment with a specialist There are many NHS specialist centers that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for a referral from your GP. You will likely need to fill in some forms and questionnaires before your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment. Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms within the context of current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They might ask for your school or job records, or talk with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue It's also related to the way your brain works. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you are functioning and may also want to assess you for other mental health issues like anxiety or depression. If you're an adult, you'll 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 are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and continue to have a significant impact on 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 the medication will initially be provided by the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you with this, and will typically provide your GP with a form for an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost. If you're located in England, you have the legal right to select your healthcare provider and mental health team. If you think that waiting times for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book an appointment on the internet with an expert in your area. This is often a quicker option than visiting your GP, and can be an economical alternative too. 3. Ask your GP for an appointment If you suspect you or your child might be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is talk to your GP. They may not be able identify you as having ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has been affecting your family and you. They will then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. On our page, Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have suggestions on how to speed up the process if they have a lengthy waiting list. After you've been identified to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment with psychiatrists for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the sole method to get access to medication through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA support. During this appointment the psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and assess 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 some cases it is necessary to rule out other conditions before making a choice, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out. If adhd adults diagnosis find that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for an Shared Care Agreement. This means that your clinician can prescribe you ADHD medication on the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. Most people prefer a mix of medications and CBT therapy is the most effective, but everyone is different. If you reside in England, it is important to know that you have a legal right 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 both adults and children. If you aren't sure which one to go with or think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can make use of alternative providers who do 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 you can do it. 4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. You can schedule an assessment of diagnostics via phone or video with most private companies. You will be asked to give details regarding your symptoms and how they affect you and your daily routine. They might also request details of your medical background. They will also want to know whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD. Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your coping strategies. They will use this information to assess whether or not you are suffering from symptoms of ADHD. You can book an appointment with a psychiatrist if you do not have a doctor who will recommend you to one. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to get a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS to receive follow-up treatment if required. A good psychiatrist can determine very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to search for more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They may also look into other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, such as depression and addiction disorders. The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and they may cause more problems as you grow older and confront more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper support as a young person. It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis in the event that you're a minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about how an individual suffering from ADHD might look like, and may make assumptions about your behavior without properly taking note of your symptoms.