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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

When seeking advice, assessment or assistance for ADHD Patients often have to deal with an array of gatekeepers in the network. It is clear that a few of these gatekeepers from NHS CCGs aren't adhering to national clinical guidelines or their legal obligations to prevent discrimination and health inequalities.

Some private ADHD clinics may not be adequately regulated according to reports from anecdotal sources. This could result in an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reports which could create difficulties when trying to transfer back to the NHS.

How do I obtain an official medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health condition that means it must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has special expertise. This includes psychiatrists and psychologists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental health conditions often report symptoms of ADHD particularly those who have been struggling for a long period. They may feel stuck in their current circumstances, and in desperate need of assistance. However it is true that the NHS can be difficult to navigate for those who are seeking diagnosis.

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

To assess your ADHD, healthcare professionals look at any mental health issues you might have had in the past and your family history. They will also observe you in different settings, including at the workplace, school or at home to evaluate your behavior. They will ask you to explain your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They might inquire about your social life, your relationships, and other activities you engage in frequently.

A specialist will consider all the evidence prior to making an assessment. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk will make use of criteria such as being persistently restless and fidgety, having an insufficient amount of attention, difficulty keeping up at work or school and having difficulty staying focused on work or tasks, not completing them and being a lot of active. The diagnosis will be upon the presence of these characteristics in multiple settings, affecting your performance and if there's a distinct pattern that has remained for at minimum six years.

In recent months there has been an increase in the number of celebrities speaking out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to an increase in the number of people who are seeking an assessment, which could cause long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS through assessments at private clinics which can be costly. It is essential to choose an healthcare provider you can trust and to be honest about your health issues.

What happens during the assessment?

The method of assessing ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or are referred to by your GP. The person who conducts the assessment will ask you 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 evaluation there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete before your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays in your appointment. It's also important to become familiar with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD so that you can recognize the signs and how they impact your life in depth.

The test will usually involve an interview with either a psychiatrist, specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will evaluate your overall mental health and the specific signs of ADHD to determine if they are being caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other conditions (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which could include medication.

Be aware that nurses and GPs will not be as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore crucial to plan your symptoms and practice them prior to when you take part in the evaluation. This will enable you to explain your symptoms in a way they can understand. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have affected on all aspects of your life from relationships to work, and how they have changed over time.

You might have some tests done as part of the assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues your therapist could suggest additional tests to look for these, too.

If you self-refer or enrolled in the Right to Choose scheme, it is important to remember that even though you pay for your private evaluation but you will still need to wait for NHS approved appointments. And this can differ between NHS trusts and from one physician to another.

What is the outcome if I fail to get an appointment?


You can be diagnosed with ADHD when you have several factors in your favor. Certain groups might have a harder time getting diagnosed. For instance that they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or depression.

If you are struggling to get a diagnosis, try speaking to your GP about it and request the referral to a psychiatrist. It's also worth trying to find a private psychiatric provider that specialises in adult ADHD assessments. They usually provide a much faster service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will look at your symptoms and decide whether they meet the criteria for ADHD using the Nice guidelines as a reference. They will also determine if there are other causes of your problem for example, anxiety, depression or thyroid issues. This is a thorough process, and it's not always easy for adults to present all the evidence needed (for instance, they may be unable to locate old school reports that are in the back of the cupboard).

You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even you and your GP is in agreement. This is because a psychiatrist will only determine that your ADHD symptoms result in significant impairment. If they believe you don't meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

In the UK it is legal to seek treatment through the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland when you have been diagnosed with ADHD. You may be able to get medication through an Individual funding request, however it will depend on the location you reside in. You may be referred an expert in your local area who will 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.

Joining a support group, either in person or online, for adults with ADHD can be beneficial. They can be very positive and reassuring, and it can help to talk through your experience with other people who can relate to your experience.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults can be sent to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. 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 there are many NHS healthcare providers do not accept these reports and patients are frequently denied accessing care. This is due to lengthy waiting times or rejection of referrals.

Support groups at the meeting reported that many ADHD patients seek out private assessments and diagnosis to overcome the lack of NHS funding in this area. Private clinics can provide an precise, professional and quicker diagnosis. They are also helpful in identifying comorbidities like anxiety and depression which are very common in ADHD and also in helping with titration until the final dose of the medication. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are priced separately.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is different between individuals. The majority of people are treated using medication. This may be methylphenidates, like Ritalin or Concerta or atomoxetine like Strateva. Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be beneficial, like education and training for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have found that changing their diet and developing a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that psychotherapy and hypnotherapy may alleviate their symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that so many adults with ADHD cannot access the medical and treatment they require through the NHS. The UK government, the clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to correct this situation. People suffering from ADHD should have access to treatment, free from discrimination and in accordance with their legal rights. To meet this demand it is essential to create long-term plans for funding and commission health, social, and judicial services together. The current state of affairs cannot be endured and has a negative impact on families, individuals and the society. It's time to invest.

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