12 Stats About How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD To Make You Think About The Other People
How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK
If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you for an NHS ADHD assessment.
You may be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to medication shortages there could be delays in getting diagnosed and undergoing treatment.
1. Speak to your doctor
If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD are likely to consult their GP first. They can be attentive and recommend you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on where you live it could be free of charge, or you might have to pay a small fee. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience, especially when you don't feel that your symptoms are being treated seriously. It's important to know that around 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 responding to impulses.
A specialist will determine whether you or your child suffers from ADHD by observing or discussions that they conduct with you, your children and anyone else who is familiar with you. They will also look at how long the issues related to ADHD have been present in your child or you and how they impact your life. They will also look at whether your or your child's issues could be more accurately explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).
If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we recommend seeking a different one. It can be a challenge however, it's worth asking for referral. You can download and print guides from ADHD UK to help you speak to your GP.
Once you have been referred to an assessment, the process should move quickly. Doctors will want to know the details of your or your child's symptoms, and 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 check if your or your child has had similar symptoms before and compare the information. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose ADHD.
2. Request an assessment with a specialist
There are many NHS specialist centers that are able to conduct ADHD tests. You will need to ask your GP to recommend one of these. You'll likely need to fill out forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it's recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms in the current diagnostic guidelines for adult patients. They might ask for your employment 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 behavior issue It's also related to the way that your brain works. Your doctor will look at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
If you are an adult, your specialist will also want to know how long your ADHD symptoms have been affecting you. In the past, it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. However, we now know otherwise. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood and remain a significant influence on your life.
If you're an adult or a child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to note that in the event that you are diagnosed privately then you'll initially be prescribed medication via the NHS. Private clinics should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement on shared care, so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.
In England you have the legal right to choose your mental health team and the healthcare provider. If diagnose adhd believe that the waiting time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment via the internet with an expert. This is often a quicker method than going to your GP and is a more cost-effective option too.
3. Have your GP to refer you
Talk to your GP if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD, but they should be attentive to your concerns and ask how it's been affecting your family and you. Then, they should refer you to an specialist for evaluation and treatment. On our page on Getting an ADHD Assessment, we have tips on how to speed up the process if you are on a an extensive waiting list.
After you've been diagnosed to a psychiatrist, you will be offered an appointment to see a psychiatrist to be assessed and diagnosed. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required for access to medication on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.
During this visit the psychiatrist will take a examine 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 instances, they might have to rule out other conditions like anxiety or depression before making a decision. They may also need to rule out any substance or alcohol use out.
If they determine that you have ADHD they will send a letter to your GP with a request for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your GP can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination between medications and CBT is most efficient. But, everyone is different.
It is crucial to understand that if you are a resident of 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're not sure which one to choose or if NHS wait times are too long, you can choose one of the other providers that provide NHS assessments in England. You can find out which ones they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.
4. Book an assessment with an expert
In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can ask your GP to refer you to one or contact the service directly. Most private providers will allow you to book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video. They will require you to provide details about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life, along with information about any relevant medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.
Your psychiatrist will be able to talk you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your strategies for coping. They will analyze this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the symptoms of ADHD.
You can make an appointment with a psychiatrist in case you do not know a physician who will send you to a psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis more quickly. Your doctor will be able to refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment if required.
A good psychiatrist will be able to tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they do have any doubts, they will be able to look for additional evidence that is more convincing by asking questions or talking to people who know you well. They will also consider other health conditions that can hinder your ability to concentrate like depression or an addiction disorder.
Most ADHD diagnoses are made in adults, not in children. This is because the majority of the symptoms manifest in adults, and they may cause more problems as you age and encounter more challenges. This is especially true if you didn't get the right support as a child.
It can be difficult to determine if you're diagnosed when you're the minority group or are a gender non-conforming person. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions of what an individual with ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without analysing your symptoms.