Forget How To Get Diagnosed With ADHD: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It How to Get Diagnosed With ADHD in the UK

Talk to your doctor if you believe that you may be suffering from ADHD. They should take your concerns very seriously and refer you to an NHS ADHD assessment.

You could be eligible to be eligible for Access to Work, which could open the door to employment. You may experience delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment due to shortages of medications.

1. Talk with your doctor

If you suspect that you or a child might suffer from ADHD will often seek out their doctor first. They will be very attentive to your concerns and send you to an expert for an assessment. Depending on the location you live in the assessment could be free or you may have to pay. You can find more information on the NHS website.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a stressful experience particularly when you don't feel that your symptoms are taken seriously. It's important to remember that approximately 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD and a diagnosis can help you to understand why your or your child may have difficulty staying focused or acting on impulses.

A specialist will determine if you or your child is suffering from ADHD by observing of discussions, questionnaires and discussions with you as well as your child and anyone who knows you well. They will also consider the length of time the child's issues with ADHD have been present and how much they impact your life. They will also consider whether your your child's issues could be better explained by another condition (such as autism, dyslexia, anxiety or behaviour issues).

We recommend that you look for a new GP in the event that your current doctor doesn't take ADHD seriously. 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.

The assessment process should be completed in a short time after you have been referred. GPs will ask for details about your child's symptoms. Then, the specialist will conduct an interview, questionnaire, and medical examination. 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 want to determine if you or your child has had these symptoms previously to be able to examine the data. This is important because only a psychiatrist or psychologist can determine if your child has ADHD.

2. Make an appointment with an expert

There are several NHS specialist centres that can perform ADHD tests. You will need to ask for a referral from your GP. You'll likely have to fill in some forms and questionnaires prior to your appointment. They can take a long time to complete so try and complete them before your appointment if you can.

Your specialist will be looking at your symptoms in the context of current diagnostic guidelines for adults. They may request your school or work records, or speak with your parents, teachers, or day care providers about how you were as an infant. ADHD is more than just a behavior problem. It is also linked to the way your brain works. Your doctor will be looking at the entire picture of how you are functioning and may also want to check for other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.


If you're an adult, your specialist will also be interested in knowing how long your ADHD symptoms have been impacting you. In the past it was believed that ADHD was only a problem for children. But now we have proof that the opposite is true. ADHD symptoms can last into adulthood, and still have an impact on your life.

No matter if you're an adult or a child, you'll typically be offered medication as part of your treatment plan. killer deal should be aware that if you're diagnosed privately the medication will initially come from the NHS. The private doctor can assist you with this and provide your GP paperwork for a shared-care arrangement which will allow you to pay the NHS prescription cost.

In England you are legally entitled to select your mental health provider and healthcare provider. If you decide that waiting for an NHS assessment are too long, you can book a private appointment online with a specialist in your area. This is usually a faster method than going to your GP, and can be a more cost-effective option too.

3. Ask your GP to refer you to your doctor

Speak with your GP if you suspect that you or your child could be suffering from ADHD. They may not be able officially diagnose you with ADHD, but they should take your concerns seriously and inquire about how it has been affecting you and your family. They must then refer you a specialist for assessment and treatment. If they have a long waiting list, there's advice on our Getting an ADHD Assessment page on how to speed up this process.

After you have been referred to a psychiatrist, you will be given an appointment for assessment and diagnosis. This is because a clinical diagnosis from a psychiatrist is the only way to access medications through the NHS, and to qualify for things like reasonable adjustments and DSA assistance.

During the appointment, a psychiatrist will assess your symptoms to determine if you 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 it is necessary to exclude other conditions prior to making a choice, like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. They might also have to rule out any alcohol or drugs that are used to treat it.

If they find that you suffer from ADHD, they will send a letter to your GP with paperwork for a 'Shared Care Agreement'. This means that your doctor can prescribe you ADHD medications through the NHS. Your GP will then renew your prescriptions. Most people find that a combination of medications and CBT is most efficient. But, everyone is different.

If you reside in England, it is worth knowing that you have a legal right to choose the healthcare provider that your doctor refers you to for an NHS assessment and treatment. This is known as the right to Choose and applies to both adults and children. If you're unsure which provider to select or if the NHS wait times are too long you can select one of the alternative providers that offer NHS assessments in England. You can learn more about the names of these providers by visiting the Psychiatry UK website. It provides a guide on how to do it.

4. Schedule an appointment with a specialist

In the UK There are a variety of specialist services that offer ADHD assessment and treatment. You can request your GP for the referral, or contact them directly yourself. Most private providers allow you to schedule an assessment of diagnostics over the phone or via video. You will be asked to provide information about your symptoms, and how they affect you and your daily life. They might also ask for details about your medical background. They will also want to know whether any family members have ADHD.

Your psychiatrist will guide you through the process of assessing. They will discuss how your symptoms have impacted your life and how they have changed over time. You will be asked about your childhood and your coping strategies. This information will be used to determine if you exhibit ADHD symptoms.

If you don't have a GP who is willing to send you to an ADHD assessment You can always get one by scheduling an appointment with a private psychiatrist. This may be a little more expensive however, it will give you the fastest means to receive a diagnosis. Your psychiatrist can refer you to the NHS for follow-up treatment, if needed.

A competent psychiatrist will be able to tell pretty quickly if you have ADHD. If they have any doubts they can gather more evidence by asking questions or speaking to someone who is familiar with you. They may also look into other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to concentrate, including addiction and depression.

Most ADHD diagnoses are made by adults, not in children. This is due to the fact that the majority of symptoms only appear as adults and can cause more issues as you get older and face more problems. This is especially the case if you did not receive the proper support when you were an infant.

Sometimes it is difficult to receive an diagnosis, especially in the case of an ethnic minority or gender non-conforming. Some mental health professionals may have preconceived notions of what someone suffering from ADHD might look like, and could make assumptions about your behavior without assessing you symptoms.