How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They will take your concerns seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may also qualify for Access to Work support, which could help you get access to employment. There may be delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment due to medication shortages.
1. Talk with your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might have ADHD will often consult their doctor first. They will be attentive and refer you to a specialist for an assessment. Based on the location of your home it could be free or you may be required to pay a fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
It isn't easy to accept a diagnosis of ADHD particularly if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It is important to remember that around 2.6 millions people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis may help you understand the reasons why your child or yourself may struggle to stay focused or acting upon 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 is familiar with you. They will also take into consideration how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they affect your daily life. getting a adhd diagnosis will also consider whether your or your child's symptoms might be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't take ADHD seriously, we recommend trying to get a different one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.
After you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will inquire with you or your child to provide specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will conduct an interview, a 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 verify if you or your child has had similar symptoms before and examine the data. This is important since only a psychologist or psychiatrist can determine if your child has ADHD.
2. Schedule an appointment with an expert
There are many NHS specialist centres which can conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll probably have to fill out some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take some time 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 the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your school or work documents or talk to your teachers, parents or day care providers about your experiences as an infant. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also connected to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you are functioning, and may want to assess you for other mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
If you're an adult, you will be asked by your specialist what time you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. In the past, it was believed that ADHD only affected children. But now we are aware of the contrary. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
Whether you are an adult or child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that, if you're diagnosed by a private doctor then you'll initially receive your medication through the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you with this, and will usually provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England the UK, you have the legal right to choose your mental health provider and the healthcare provider. If you believe that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment online with a specialist. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP and could be cheaper too.
3. Ask your GP for an appointment
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, the first thing to do is speak to your GP. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and ask how it's been affecting you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they are on a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed things up.
Once you've been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will be scheduled for assessment and diagnosis. A diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment, the psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if you 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 may need to determine if they have any other medical conditions before making their decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any drug or alcohol misuse.
If they determine 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 on the NHS from your clinician. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination between medications and CBT is the most efficient. But, everyone is different.
If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have the legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right to Choose'and 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, then you could make use of 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 you can do it.
4. Make an appointment with an expert
There are a variety of specialist services which can offer ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or directly. The majority of private providers will let you book an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, how they impact you and your daily routine. They might also want to know details of your medical history. They will also want to know whether any family members have ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will guide you through the assessment process. They will talk about your symptoms and how they've changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and strategies for dealing with stress. 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 will send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. It's more expensive, however you will receive the diagnosis quicker. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow up treatment if required.
A qualified psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are in doubt, they can find more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They may also look into other medical conditions that may affect your ability to focus, such as depression and addiction disorders.
The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because most of the symptoms are only visible in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and encounter more challenges. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a young person.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis when you're a minority or a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what someone suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without fully assessing the severity of the signs.