How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking assistance, referral or assessment for ADHD, people often encounter an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is evident that some of these gatekeepers within NHS CCGs are not following national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.

Certain private ADHD clinics might not be properly regulated as per reports from anecdotal sources. This could lead to uncoordinated diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports, which can cause difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How can I get an official medical diagnosis?

ADHD is an illness of the mind that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has expertise. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD here in the UK). Mentally ill people often report 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 need assistance to improve their lives. However, the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking a diagnosis.

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

When assessing for ADHD healthcare professionals will look at your family history of ADHD and any other mental health issues you have had in the past. They will also observe you in various settings, including at home, at school or at work, to assess your behaviour. You will be asked to write about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may also ask about your relationships, social life and other activities you take part in on a regular basis.

A specialist will look at all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will consider criteria like being irritable and fidgety at all times or having a short-term memory and having trouble staying focused and unable to keep up with school or work, failing to complete tasks, and being extremely energetic. The diagnosis is determined by a pattern of traits that can be observed in different environments and affect your performance.

In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of high-profile individuals who have opened up about their experiences being diagnosed with ADHD. This has resulted in an increase of people seeking an assessment. This can lead to long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some patients and their families avoid the NHS in order to undergo assessments at private clinics. This could be costly. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is crucial to choose a doctor you trust and be prepared to answer honestly about your symptoms.

What happens during the test?

Whether you self-refer or are recommended by your GP, the process of assessing ADHD symptoms is essentially the same. The person doing the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life, for example "What difficulties do you encounter at home?", "How do your symptoms affect your work?", and "Do you experience any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?"

Depending on where you go to get your assessment, there may be different forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. It is essential to fill these out as quickly as possible so that your appointment won't be delayed. You should also familiarise yourself with the signs of ADHD to be able to recognize them and talk about their impact on your life.

The assessment will usually include an interview with a psychiatrist, specialist nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your mental health and ADHD symptoms to determine if they're caused by another illness or not (NICE guidelines). The therapist will go over with you the treatment options that may include medication.

It is important to remember that nurses, GPs and psychologists may not be as knowledgeable about adult ADHD as Psychiatrists with specialization and therefore it is essential to practice and prepare your symptoms before you go for the assessment. This will allow you to explain the impact that your symptoms are having in a manner that they can understand. You'll need to provide examples on how your symptoms have affected your life in all ways from your work to your relationships, and then over time.

As part of the examination, you could be required to take certain tests, like an allergy test. Your therapist might suggest additional tests to check for any medical problems.

If you self-refer, or going through the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that although you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS funded appointments - and this may differ between NHS trusts and also from one doctor to another.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

There are a variety of factors that could prevent you from being diagnosed with ADHD. It can be harder for certain groups of people to get diagnosed, for instance those who are of color or assigned a female at birth or if you have other mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you're struggling to get an answer, consult your GP and request an appointment. You can also try to find a private doctor who is specialized in adult ADHD tests. They often provide an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also try to determine the cause of your problems including depression, anxiety or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it'sn't always easy for adults to provide all the evidence needed (for instance, they may struggle to locate old school reports in the back of the cupboard).


You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. A psychiatrist can only diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms cause significant impairment. If they think you do not meet the criteria, they'll inform you the reason.

In the UK, it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the event that you are diagnosed with ADHD. You might also be able to access medication through an Individual Funding Request however, this is contingent on the location you live in. You may be referred by your physician to prescribe the medication you want. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first, and don't always make plans for long titration periods.

Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be a source of support and calm. It is also helpful to share your experiences with others who can relate to.

How can I get treatment?

Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services for assessment and treatment. These services are usually located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example, the Maudsley Hospital, London, offers a nationwide ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However there are many NHS health providers aren't able to accept these reports and patients are frequently denied getting care. This is due to long waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups informed the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek out private assessments and diagnosis to avoid the NHS's lack of funding in this area. Private clinics offer a much quicker and more efficient and a more generalized diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as depression and anxiousness, which are common in ADHD. They also help with titration of the final dose. The cost is ranging from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes the diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The diagnosis and treatment for ADHD will differ from person to person. Most people are treated with medications. It could be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta, or atomoxetine, like Strateva. Other interventions that are not drugs can be beneficial like education and training for families and parents of children with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing an appropriate schedule for sleep can help. Others have found that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can ease their symptoms, though the evidence on these isn't as strong.

It is unacceptable that so many adults suffering from ADHD cannot get the treatment and care they need through the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must act urgently to address this situation. Patients with ADHD must have access to treatment that is free of discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To address this unmet need, it is vital to plan long-term funding and provide health, social care, and judicial services together. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and the entire society is devastating. It is now the time to invest in this area.