How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD are often confronted with a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals or assessment and support. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to avoid discrimination and health inequalities.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that certain private ADHD clinics are not sufficiently monitored. This can result in different thresholds for diagnosis, and assessment reporting that could cause issues when trying to transfer to the NHS.

How do I find out if I have a diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind and can only by diagnosed by a healthcare professional with specialist knowledge. This includes psychiatrists and psychology (who are the only professionals certified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). Mentally ill people often have ADHD symptoms, particularly those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current situation and are desperate for assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be difficult for those trying to find the diagnosis.

It is possible to obtain a diagnosis through the NHS by asking your GP for the referral to see a specialist. Your GP will consider your concerns seriously, and might refer you to an expert for an assessment. However, you may have to wait until the specialist is available.

In order to assess your ADHD healthcare experts will look into any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. To evaluate your behavior, they will observe you in different situations, like at home, school or at work. They will ask you to describe your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also inquire about your relationships with friends, social life and other activities you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before making an assessment. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis will consider criteria such as being restless and fidgety all the time and having a short-term memory or difficulty focusing, having difficulty keeping up in school or at work, not completing tasks and being overly energetic. The diagnosis is dependent on a pattern of traits that can be seen in a variety of situations and impact your performance.

In the last few months, there is a surge in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could lead to long waiting times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families bypass the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This is costly. It is important to locate a healthcare professional you can trust and answer honestly about your medical conditions.

What happens during the assessment process?

If you're self-referring or recommended by your GP the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person who conducts the assessment will ask questions about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. For instance, "What problems do experience at home?" "How does your symptoms affect your work?" "Do you have other symptoms that you believe could be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go for your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. It is important to complete these as quickly as possible so that your appointment doesn't get delayed. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognise the signs and their effects on your life.

The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or a qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that could include medications.

Remember that GPs and nurses will not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to prepare your symptoms and practice them before you attend the examination. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll have to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected your life in all aspects, from your work to your relationships, and then over time.

As part of the assessment you could be required to take some tests, such as the test for allergies. If you suffer from any other medical issues your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these, too.

You may be self-referring or using the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still have to wait for an appointment funded by the NHS. This can differ from NHS trust to NHS trust and clinician to clinician.

What happens if I don't get an answer to my question?

You may be diagnosed with ADHD if you have a number of things in your favor. It is more difficult for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for example, when you are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression.

If you are having a hard time getting a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to locate a private psychiatric service that specialises in adult ADHD tests. They can often offer a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will analyze your symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for ADHD, using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also attempt to determine the cause of your problems including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. It's a lengthy process, and adults may not have all the information they require.

You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD if they believe that your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you why.

In the UK it is legal to access treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might be able to receive medication through an individual funding request, however it will depend on where you live. You could be referred by your local specialist to prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists usually prefer Methylphenidate Atomoxetine or Straterra first, and they don't always plan for lengthy titration periods.

Participating in a support group, whether in person or on the internet, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely helpful and comforting and can be a great way to talk through your experience with people who understand.

How can I get treatment?

Doctors can recommend adults to specialists ADHD services to be assessed and prescribed medication. They are typically located in NHS hospitals and NHS community health teams. For instance the Maudsley Hospital in London offers a national ADHD adult diagnostic service. However, a significant number of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid and patients often face difficulties in their access to healthcare, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below).

Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers are seeking private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and faster diagnosis. They can also help screen for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They can also help with titration of the final dosage. Prices vary from PS500 to PS1,200 however, often a diagnosis and titration are charged separately.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from individual to individual. Most people are treated with medications. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Non-drug interventions can be helpful, such as education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that a change in their diet can help, as does trying to develop a sleep-friendly routine. Some people have found that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence supporting these therapies isn't as strong.


It is unacceptable that a lot of adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to address this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need it is crucial to create long-term plans for funding and create health, social and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be sustained and has a negative impact on individuals, their families and the society. It is time to invest in this area.