If you think you or your little one may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a diagnosis can be the first step in getting to the root of what has been challenging you or your child. After all, understanding these complex emotions can provide some relief and even empower you to learn more about your condition. In this article, we will discuss how to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, as well as what to expect during the assessment.
Where to Start
Understandably, getting an ADHD diagnosis for yourself or your child can be pretty daunting. However, it is important to remember that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD. If you or your child seem restless, have trouble concentrating or act on impulse, it is advisable to speak to your GP.
Keep in mind that GPs cannot formally diagnose ADHD and at this stage, the goal is to simply discuss your concerns about why you think you or your little one has ADHD. For many people, it can be tricky to describe what they are experiencing and how it impacts their day-to-day lives. That is why it makes sense to learn more about ADHD before you start the journey of getting a diagnosis.
For many people, speaking to a private GP allows them to get the answers they need in a matter of days. Patients who get an NHS ADHD diagnosis, on the other hand, can end up on waiting lists for months on end. In fact, 10% of NHS patients have been waiting for between 2 – 3 years just to get an ADHD diagnosis. So, it is easy to see why many patients choose to go private instead.
How Do GPs Assess ADHD Symptoms
During your conversation with your GP, they may ask you about:
- The symptoms you or your child are experiencing
- When the symptoms started
- Where you or your child experience these symptoms, such as at home, in school or at work
- Whether the symptoms affect the daily life of yourself or your child
- Whether there have been any recent life-changing events, such as death or divorce
- Whether there is a family history of ADHD
- Whether you or your child have any other symptoms of different health conditions
Following your discussion, your GP may refer you for a specialist ADHD assessment. However, GPs will advise a period of watchful waiting before referring a child with possible ADHD to a specialist. Usually, this lasts for around 10 weeks and the goal is to see whether your child’s symptoms improve. In some cases, your GP may recommend group-based ADHD parent training to teach you how to help yourself and your child. If your child’s symptoms do not improve and they are affecting their daily life, your GP will refer your child for a formal assessment.
GPs will refer an adult for an assessment if:
- They were not diagnosed with ADHD as a child but their symptoms started during childhood and have been ongoing throughout their life
- Their symptoms and experiences cannot be explained by a mental health condition
- Their symptoms have a significant impact on their day-to-day life
- They had ADHD as a child or teenager and their symptoms are now affecting their functional impairment
What If Your GP Refuses to Provide a Referral?
If you think you or your child has ADHD but your GP refuses to refer you to a specialist, there is no need to worry. In such cases, you can get a second opinion from another GP. However, it is crucial that you let your second GP know about your previous discussion. It may also be worth booking a private consultation with a specialist ADHD clinician.
What If There Are No ADHD Services in Your Area?
If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you have the right to the provision of an ADHD service under the NICE guidelines. This means that if there are no ADHD services in your local area, you can make an individual request for funding for ADHD services somewhere else. Alternatively, you can find a private ADHD service in your area, which will allow you to skip waiting lists and get a diagnosis at short notice.
Tips for Speaking to Your GP
Remember that GPs are not specialists and cannot diagnose ADHD or even refuse a diagnosis from a specialist. If you are struggling to access ADHD services, it is advisable to print out sections from the NICE 87 guidelines so your GP understands their obligations.
Equally, if you believe that you have been misdiagnosed, you have the right to refuse any treatments that are offered to you and request an ADHD assessment.
What to Expect During an Assessment
Depending on your age and what services are available in your area, you may be referred to one of the following specialists:
- A qualified healthcare professional with a specialism in the diagnosis of ADHD
- A specialist adult or child psychiatrist
- A paediatrician
Generally, assessments are conducted in person or via video call and usually take between 45 – 90 minutes. During the assessment, the GP will discuss your general mental health and mental health history, as well as any family mental health issues. This is because genes can play a role in the development of ADHD.
In some cases, you may be asked a series of questions relating to hyperactivity and inattention. You will need to respond with examples to demonstrate the symptom that is being assessed using the DSM 5 criteria for ADHD.
For example, if you are asked about how often you lose things, you will need to provide a general description of how regularly you lose things (e.g. “I constantly lose stuff”) and give a few examples of instances when you lost something necessary for a task. Adults will also need to give examples from their childhood.
To ensure that your mind does not go blank during the assessment, it is advisable to think about which ADHD symptoms you experience and write down some examples before your assessment.
On top of this, assessments may involve a physical examination to rule out other possible causes, as well as interviews or reports from other people, such as parents, partners and teachers.
ADHD Diagnosis in Children
Usually, the DSM 5 Criteria is used to diagnose ADHD in children. To be diagnosed, your child must have:
- At least 6 symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness or 6 or more symptoms of inattentiveness
- Shown ongoing symptoms for 6 or more months
- Displayed symptoms before the age of 12
- Shown symptoms in 2 or more different settings
- Symptoms that significantly impact their social, academic or professional life
- Symptoms that are not simply part of a difficult phase or part of a developmental disorder
- Symptoms that are not better explained by another condition
ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
To be diagnosed with ADHD, adults must have at least 5 symptoms of inattentiveness or 5 or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. However, under current diagnostic guidelines, adults can only be diagnosed with ADHD if their symptoms have been present since childhood. This is because it is widely believed that ADHD cannot develop for the first time in adulthood.
Symptoms should also have a moderate effect on key areas of their life and lead to experiences, such as:
- Underachievement in education or career
- Dangerous driving
- Poor social skills
- Low-quality romantic relationships
Why is it Difficult to Diagnose ADHD in Adults?
There is a lot of disagreement about whether the criteria used to diagnose children with ADHD can also apply to adults. Not to mention, it can be difficult for adults to answer the questions for the assessment as they are required to not only reflect on their current experiences but also provide examples from their childhood.
Plus, if you have multiple neurodivergent disorders or you have a prior mental health diagnosis, it can be even more challenging to get diagnosed. That is why it is important to discuss the differences and similarities between these conditions and ADHD with your specialist.
What Happens After Your Assessment?
If you or your child are given an ADHD diagnosis, your clinician will discuss the treatment options with you. Your treatment plan may include:
- Medication
- Shared care with a primary care or private GP
- ADHD coaching
- Psychology
- Dietary and nutritional support
If you do not receive a diagnosis, your clinician will explain why you do not meet the criteria.
Visit Our Private ADHD Clinic
Now that you know how to get an ADHD diagnosis in the UK, get in touch with our specialists to avoid long waiting lists and receive a diagnosis in less than a month. Our ADHD consultations cost £650 for adults and £350 for children.
If you are struggling to find ADHD services in your area, there is no need to worry. We offer online appointments, allowing adults and children to access our leading medical services nationwide. What’s more, our online booking system allows you to book a same-day appointment. To speak to our specialists from the comfort of your own home, book your appointment today.
From November, we will also be offering face-to-face neurodiversity appointments for ADHD and ASD at our Harley Street clinic in London. For more updates, sign up for our newsletter.
We understand that getting an ADHD diagnosis later in life can be pretty overwhelming. That is why we offer free adult consultations. This allows you to discuss any concerns you may have and get a clear idea of the medications that you may be prescribed. At the end of the day, we are here to help you minimise the impact of ADHD so you can keep life ticking over as normal. Unlike other clinics, we always have your best interests in mind and provide expert medical advice so you can feel confident taking the next steps in your diagnostic journey.