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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

If you suspect ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, speak to your GP. They must be attentive and recommend an NHS ADHD assessment.

You may be eligible to receive Access to Work, which could allow you to gain employment. Due to shortages of medication, you could experience delays in obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment.

1. Talk to your GP

GPs are often a first point of contact for people who think that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They can take your concerns seriously and send you to a specialist for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in, it may be free or you may have to pay. Find more details on the NHS website.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a difficult thing to do particularly in the event that you don't feel your symptoms are being taken seriously. It is important to keep in mind that about 2.6 million people in the UK suffer from ADHD. A diagnosis can help you understand why you or your child may have difficulty staying focused or responding to impulses.

A specialist will determine if you or your child suffers from ADHD based on observations as well as discussions and questionnaires that they conduct with you, your children, and any other people who know you. They will also consider how long your your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how they impact your daily life. They will also consider whether your your child's issues could be more easily explained by a different condition (such as autism, dyslexia anxiety, or behavior issues).

If you have a GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest seeking out a different one. This can be difficult however, it's worth asking for a referral. You can download and print out guides from ADHD UK to help you talk to your GP.

If you've been referred to an assessment the process should go quickly. The GP will inquire with you or your child for specific details regarding your symptoms. The doctor will conduct an interview, a questionnaire, and a medical exam. 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 look to see if you or your child had these symptoms in the past, so they can compare. This is crucial because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.

2. Book an assessment with a specialist

There are many NHS specialization centers that can conduct ADHD evaluations. You'll need to consult your GP to recommend one of these. You will probably need to fill out questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They may take a while to complete, so it is recommended to fill them out prior to your appointment.

Your doctor will look at your symptoms in the context of the current guidelines for diagnosing adults. They may request your work or school documents or talk to your parents, teachers, or day care providers about the way you behaved as when you were a child. ADHD is more than an issue with behavior. It's also connected to the way that your brain functions. Your doctor will assess your general functioning and may also want to assess other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

If you're an adult, you will be asked by a specialist how long you've been experiencing ADHD symptoms. There was a long-standing belief that ADHD only affects children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and still have an impact on your life.

Whether you are an adult or child, you will usually be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. It is important to know that when you're diagnosed by a private doctor and you're prescribed medication, it will first be obtained from the NHS. Private clinicians should be able to help you with this, and will typically provide your GP with paperwork for an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription cost.

If you're in England, you have a legal right to select your health care provider and mental health team. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you can make an appointment online with a specialist. This is usually a faster option than visiting your GP, and can be an economical alternative too.

3. You can ask your GP for a referral

Speak to your GP if you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD. They won't be able to formally diagnose you with ADHD but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. They should then refer you to a specialist for evaluation and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an Assessment for ADHD page on how to speed this up.

After adhd diagnose have been directed to a psychiatrist you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatric professional is required to access medications on the NHS and to be eligible for reasonable adjustments and DSA.

During this visit, the psychiatrist will review your symptoms and determine if 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 cases they may require a diagnosis like anxiety or depression before making a final decision. They might also have to rule out any substance or alcohol abuse out.

If they determine that you suffer from ADHD they will send a form to your GP for the signing of a Shared Care Agreement. This means that your doctor will be able to prescribe you ADHD medications on the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a mix between medication and CBT is most effective. However, every person is different.


If you live in England and are a resident of England, it's important to know that you have the legal right to choose which provider your GP refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as 'Right To Choose which applies to adults as well as children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times seem too long you can select one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about who they are by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It has a guide on how you can do it.

4. Schedule an appointment with an expert

In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for the referral or call them directly. Most private healthcare providers will let you book an appointment for a diagnostic examination over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they impact you and your daily life. They might also want to know details about your medical history. They will also want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.

Your doctor will talk you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your issues have affected your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and strategies for coping. They will utilize this information to determine whether or not you are suffering from the signs of ADHD.

If you don't have a GP who will send you to an ADHD assessment, you can always find one by scheduling an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. It's more expensive, but you will receive the diagnosis faster. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they can refer you to the NHS for further treatment.

A good psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts, they will be able to find more evidence to support it by asking questions or talking to those who know you well. They will also take into account other health issues that could impact your ability to focus like depression or an addiction disorder.

The majority of ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not children. This is because the majority of the symptoms manifest in adults, and can cause more issues as you age and confront more difficulties. This is especially relevant if you didn't receive the proper assistance as a child.

Sometimes it can be difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly when you belong to an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals might have preconceived notions of what someone with ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without assessing you symptoms.

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