How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
Speak to your doctor if you think that you might have ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which can open the door to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment.
1. Talk to your GP
People who suspect that they or a child may have ADHD usually consult their doctor first. They can be very attentive to your concerns and send you to a specialist to conduct an assessment. Based on the location of your home, this might be free of charge, or you may have to pay a fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be distressing, especially if you don't feel like your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child might have difficulties staying focused or responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who knows 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 life. They will also consider whether your or your child's issues could be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out a different one. This can be difficult and it's a good idea to ask for referral. There are guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you speak to your GP.
After you've been referred for an assessment the process should be completed quickly. Doctors will want to know the details of your or your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist should carry out 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 determine whether you or your child have suffered from these issues previously so that they can compare. This is important since a diagnosis of ADHD can only be done by a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist.
2. Request an assessment with an expert
There are many NHS specialization centers that are able to perform ADHD evaluations. You'll need to ask for an appointment from your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.
Your physician will assess your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They may ask for your work or school records, or speak with your teachers, parents or daycare providers about your childhood. It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a behaviour problem - it is also related to the way your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your overall performance and may decide to look into other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and they'll remain a significant influence on your life.
If you're an adult or a child you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when 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 charge.
In England you are legally entitled to select your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment online with an expert. This is a quicker and cheaper alternative to visiting your GP.
3. Request your GP for a referral
Speak to your GP in the event that you suspect you or your child could have ADHD. They may not be able identify you as having ADHD however they must take your concerns seriously and ask how it's affected you and your family. They should then refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, they can find advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed this up.
After you have been recommended to a psychiatrist, you will receive an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required for access to medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During the appointment the psychiatrist will take a review 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 some instances it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making their choice, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They may also need to rule any drug or alcohol abuse out.
If they find that you have ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP for a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you will be able receive ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a mix of medication and CBT is most effective. However, everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you reside 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 applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure the best choice for you or think the NHS waiting times are too long, you can make use of alternative providers who do NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones you can use by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website which offers a great guide on how to do this.
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 the referral or call them directly. You can schedule a diagnostic assessment 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 request details of your medical history. They will want to know 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 have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood experiences and coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you have ADHD symptoms.
If you don't have a doctor who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always locate one yourself by booking an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is a bit more expensive however it will provide you the fastest means to get a diagnosis. If needed, your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.
A good psychiatrist can tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they are unsure, they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with your situation. They will also consider other health issues that could affect your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as depression or an addiction disorder.
The majority of people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood and not as children. This is due to the fact that most of the symptoms only appear in adults, and can cause more problems as you get older and face more problems. This is particularly true if you did not receive the appropriate support as in your early years.
Sometimes adhd diagnostic to get a diagnosis, particularly if you are from an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived ideas about what a person suffering from ADHD looks like and can make assumptions about your behavior without properly assessing the signs.