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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Talk to your doctor if you believe that you might have ADHD. They will consider your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. Due to medication shortages, you could experience delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can be attentive and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live, it may be free or you could be required to pay. More information is available on the NHS website.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to remember that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD, and the diagnosis can help to understand why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.
A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD based on their observations as well as discussions and questionnaires with you as well as with your child and others 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 or your child's symptoms could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as dyslexia, autism, anxiety or behaviour issues).
We suggest that you find a new GP If your current one doesn't take ADHD seriously. It can be difficult to ask for an appointment but it's worth it. You can download and print the guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
The assessment process must be completed swiftly after you have been referred. The GP will inquire with you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, 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 if your or your child has had these symptoms before to be able to compare information. This is crucial as a diagnosis of ADHD can only be confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Book an assessment with an expert
There are a number of NHS specialization centers that can perform ADHD tests. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. These can take a while to complete, so you should try to complete them before 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 parents, teachers or daycare staff about your childhood. It's important to remember that ADHD is not just a behavior issue it's also connected to the way that your brain works. click through the next site will assess your overall performance and may decide to assess other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we are aware. ADHD symptoms can last well into adulthood and still have a significant impact on your life.
Whether you are an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, in the event that you're diagnosed privately then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician will be able to help you with this and provide your GP paperwork to sign a shared-care agreement, to ensure that you pay only the NHS prescription fee.
If you're in England you have the legal right to choose your health care provider and mental health team. So, if you decide that waiting time for an NHS assessment are too long, you can schedule a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This can be a faster and less expensive alternative to seeing your GP.
3. Have your GP to refer you
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first step to do is talk to your GP. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it has affected your family and you. They should then refer you to a specialist for assessment and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, there's guidance on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page on how to speed this up.
After you have been directed to a psychiatrist you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. 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 the appointment, the psychiatrist will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the ADHD criteria. 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 their decision, like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.
If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will write to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Contract'. 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, however everyone is different.
If you live in England, it is important to know that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose,' and it applies to both children and adults. If you're unsure which provider to pick or if NHS wait times seem too long, you can choose one of the other providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry UK website, which offers a great guide about how to do this.
4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist
In the UK, there are many specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you or contact the service directly. You can request an appointment for a diagnostic examination via video or phone call with most private companies. You will be asked to give details about your symptoms, and how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also request information about your medical background. They will also ask whether any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will talk about how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a physician who is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always locate one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive however it will provide you the fastest way to be diagnosed. If necessary, your psychiatrist can refer you to NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell fairly quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If mouse click the next site have any doubts they can confirm this by asking questions or speaking to someone who knows you well. They will also consider other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to focus, such as addiction and depression.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not children. This is because most of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they can cause more problems as you grow older and face more problems. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper assistance as a child.
It can be challenging to determine if you're diagnosed when you're the minority group or are an individual who is gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual with ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behaviour without properly assessing the signs.