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How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

If you suspect ADHD Talk to your GP. They will take your concerns serious and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.

You could also be eligible to receive Access to Work support, which can help you open doors to employment. Due to shortages of medication and delays in getting an appointment and beginning treatment.

1. Talk to your GP

GPs are often a first port of call for those who suspect that they or their child may be suffering from ADHD. They will be very attentive to your concerns and refer you to an expert for an assessment. Based on the location of your home the assessment could be free of charge or you may be required to pay a small fee. More information is available on the NHS website.

It can be difficult to accept the diagnosis of ADHD particularly if your symptoms don't seem to be considered serious. It's important to know that about 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, and having a diagnosis can help to understand the reasons why you or your child may have difficulties staying focused or acting on impulses.

A specialist will determine if you or your child has ADHD Based on their observations of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as with your child and others who knows you well. They will also look at how long your or your child's ADHD-related problems have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also determine whether your child's or your symptoms can be explained better by a different illness (such as dyslexia or anxiety).

If you have an GP who doesn't consider ADHD seriously, we suggest trying to get another one. It isn't easy to get an appointment, but it is worth it. There are a variety of guides available from ADHD UK, which you can download and print to help you talk to your GP.

After you've been referred for an assessment the process should go quickly. The doctor will ask you or your child for specific information about your symptoms. The specialist will then conduct an interview, 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. getting diagnosed with adhd will also check whether you or your child have suffered from these issues in the past so they can compare. This is important because only a psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD.

2. Request an assessment with an expert

There are a number of NHS specialist centres which can carry out ADHD assessments. You'll need to ask for an appointment with your GP. You will probably need to fill out a few questionnaires and forms prior to your appointment. They can take some time to complete, so it is recommended to complete them prior to your appointment.

Your doctor will look at your symptoms within the context of the current guidelines for adult diagnostics. They might ask for your employment or school documents, or talk to your teachers, parents or daycare staff about your childhood. ADHD is more than an issue with your behavior. It is also linked to the way your brain functions. Your specialist will be looking at the whole picture of how you're functioning and may also want to look into other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

If you are an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been in your life. In the past, there was a belief that ADHD is only a problem for children, but now we know better. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood and continue to impact your life.

Whether you are an adult or a child you'll usually receive medication as part of your treatment plan. Be aware that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. The private clinician will be able to assist you with this, and usually provide your GP with a form for an agreement for shared care so that you pay only the NHS prescription charge.

In England the UK, you are legally entitled to choose your mental health care team and the healthcare provider. If you feel that the wait time for an NHS assessment is too long, then you could make an appointment via the internet with a specialist. This could be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to seeing your GP.

3. Have your GP to refer you to your doctor

If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD the first thing to do is speak to your GP. They won't be able to identify you as having ADHD but they must take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. Then, they should refer you to an expert for assessment and treatment. If they have a lengthy waiting list, there's information on our Getting an ADHD Asssesment page about how to speed this up.

Once you have been diagnosed, you will be given an appointment with an Psychologist for assessment and diagnosis. A clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is required to access medications on the NHS and to qualify for reasonable adjustments and DSA.

During the appointment, a psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine whether they satisfy the ADHD criteria. They will then make a decision about which of the three subtypes you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined). In some instances, they might need to rule out other conditions before making a decision, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. They might also need to rule out any alcohol or drug abuse.

If they find that you suffer from ADHD they will send paperwork to your GP to sign a Shared Care Agreement. This means that you can access ADHD medication through the NHS from your GP. Your GP will renew your prescriptions. The majority of people find that a combination between medications and CBT is the most efficient. However, every person is different.

It is vital to know that if you reside in England you have the legal right to choose the provider to whom your doctor will recommend you for an NHS assessment or treatment. This is known as the 'Right to Choose and applies to both children and adults. If you aren't sure the best choice for you or if you feel the NHS waiting times are too long, then you could make use of alternative providers that conduct NHS assessments in England. You can determine which ones by visiting the Psychiatry-UK website, which provides a helpful guide to help you do this.

4. Request an assessment with a specialist

There are many specialist services that can provide ADHD assessment and treatment in the UK. You can request your GP for an appointment with these services or call them directly yourself. The majority of private providers will let you book a diagnostic assessment over the phone or via video call. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, how they impact your life and daily activities. They may also request details of your medical background. They will want to know if any of your family members suffer from ADHD.

Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessment. They will discuss how your symptoms have affected your life and how they've changed over time. They will also ask you about your childhood experiences and your coping strategies. They will use this information to assess whether or not you have the signs of ADHD.

If you don't have a doctor who is willing to recommend you for an ADHD assessment You can always get one on your own by making an appointment with an individual psychiatrist. This is slightly more expensive, but it will give you the fastest means to be diagnosed. If you are in need of a psychiatrist, they may refer you to the NHS for further treatment.

A competent psychiatrist can tell very quickly if you suffer from ADHD. If they have any doubts they can gather more evidence by asking questions or talking to someone who is familiar with you. They will also take into account other health issues that could hinder your ability to concentrate for a long time, such as addiction or depression.

Most people with ADHD are diagnosed in adulthood, not children. It is because the majority of symptoms appear as adults and can cause more problems as you get older and face more difficulties. This is especially true if your did not receive the proper support as a young person.


Sometimes it is difficult to receive a diagnosis, particularly if you are from an ethnically diverse group or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals have preconceived notions about what an individual suffering from ADHD might appear like, and they may make assumptions about your behavior without properly analysing your symptoms.

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